Derenburg: History, Glass and Trails

Local history between the town hall and Bocksberg

On Bocksberg near Derenburg, where the Derenburg circular trail meets the Route of the German Emperors and Kings of the Middle Ages in the Harz, an updated information board describes the town’s history. It offers an introduction to the subject at a place where two named routes meet.

Derenburg was first mentioned in a document in 937 and is one of the region’s oldest inhabited settlements. The town hall’s location is another way to see its history reflected in the townscape: it stands between St. Trinitatis Church and the market square and was built in half-timbered style in 1789. These two nearby landmarks help put the town hall in context.

Another historical site is the Derenburg menhir, also known as a monolith. It was re-erected in 2004 during archaeological excavations carried out as part of the construction of federal highway B6, now the A36. Its re-erection links the monument with the construction and excavation history of the site.

Harzkristall Glass Manufactory: by bus and bicycle

The Harzkristall Glass Manufactory has an adventure playground for children of all ages. This makes the grounds a destination in their own right for travelers with children. The “Glasmanufaktur Harzkristall” bus stop is right by the grounds. Route 231 between Wernigerode and Halberstadt runs every 60 minutes; check the current timetable before you travel.

The grounds are also accessible by bicycle: the R1 EuroRoute runs right past them along the Holtemme, and cyclists can ride from there onto the grounds. The bus and bicycle are two different ways to plan your visit. For the bus, checking the timetable is a practical step; by bike, the route passes directly alongside the grounds.

Derenburg Osterholz circular trail on foot or by bike

The Derenburg Osterholz circular trail starts and ends at the market square. On the western side of Osterholz, it offers unobstructed views of the Harz Mountains, the Brocken and the silhouette of Wernigerode Castle. The trail can also be used for a bike ride. For the bicycle option, leave your bike at the Thyrstein section and walk up.

At the Thyrstein section, a bench and a shelter just a few steps away invite you to stop for a picnic. This makes it easy to plan your route and a break at this point together. When choosing between a bike ride and a walk, bear in mind that the ascent at Thyrstein is made on foot if you are cycling.

Additional context: Blankenburg (Harz)

The wider destination of Blankenburg (Harz) has other independent attractions. The “Am Thie” natural swimming pool is in the center of Blankenburg (Harz), borders Thiepark and offers swimming without chlorine. The pool is open seasonally; check the latest operating information before visiting.

The Blankenburg Hostel Museum is Germany’s only historically preserved journeymen’s hostel open as a museum and features a themed exhibition on the travels of journeymen craftspeople. Visiting hours vary by season. At Regenstein Castle and Fortress, the open-air museum gives visitors access to various historical rooms and displays objects relating to the history of the Regenstein family.

Nature and hiking destinations are also part of the Blankenburg (Harz) area: in the Heers, imposing sandstone cliffs stand in a forest clearing about the size of a soccer field, with caves formed in some of them. A popular circular hiking trail of about 8 kilometers runs from Großvaterfelsen along the ridge path and below the Devil’s Wall through the Heidelberg. Check trail conditions locally. The terraced garden in the Blankenburg Castle Gardens was laid out in 1718.

Discover more destinations: Hüttenrode.

Back to the main travel overview: Blankenburg Am Harz.