Neuwerk: Grasedanz and Krockstein

Get to know Neuwerk through two local attractions: the Grasedanz and the Krockstein viewpoint above the village. The former school building, with its onion-shaped little tower, also shapes the village’s appearance. The broader Oberharz am Brocken travel destination offers additional hiking and cultural attractions in other towns.

The Grasedanz in Neuwerk and Hüttenrode

In the Oberharz am Brocken, the traditional Grasedanz in Neuwerk and Hüttenrode is a lively tradition centred on the hay harvest. Women play the leading role. More than 100 years ago, women initiated the festival in recognition of their work. The festivities span a weekend: decorated birch trees stand at house entrances, young women carry baskets of flowers to the festival grounds, and flower garlands adorn the site. The programme also includes drawing lots to choose a Grase Queen. The hay harvest, the role of women and the festival’s individual traditions give the Grasedanz its distinctive character.

Views and hiking

The Krockstein viewpoint lies above Neuwerk. From there, the view extends to the Brocken and the Wurmberg. Alongside its festival tradition, the village therefore offers a specific viewpoint that can be included as a hiking destination.

In the broader Oberharz am Brocken travel destination, a moderately difficult hike through mixed forest leads to the Krockstein. It is 2.8 kilometres long, with a stated walking time of 55 minutes. Check current trail conditions before setting out. Another moderately difficult route is the circular trail around the Hasselvorsperre near Hasselfelde: it covers 5.5 kilometres and, according to the stated time, takes one hour and 28 minutes. This lets you compare a shorter walk to a viewpoint with a longer circular route.

Charcoal burning and hiking trails in the Oberharz am Brocken

At the Harzköhlerei Stemberghaus, traditional earth kilns are built, fired and harvested from early April to the end of October. This offers a chance to experience the traditional charcoal burners’ craft first-hand. In Hasselfelde, the charcoal-burning museum gives an impression of the difficult working and living conditions of charcoal burners. The demonstration at the earth kilns and the portrayal of their working and everyday lives focus on different aspects.

Hasselfelde has an extensive network of hiking trails, including the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg, nature trails and the Köhlerweg. These trails make local attractions and places of interest accessible on foot. From Hasselfelde, you can take the Harzer Schmalspurbahn daily to the Brocken or into the Selke Valley. Check the current timetable before travelling.

Cultural attractions in Hasselfelde and Stiege

At the Haus des Gastes in Hasselfelde, the Blumenau Museum presents the life and work of chemist and emigrant Hermann Blumenau through images and text. The local history room in the same building tells the story of the village and the lives and work of its residents. Ask the Tourist Information office about the local history room’s opening hours. St. Antonius Church in Hasselfelde is a three-aisled Gothic basilica.

In Stiege, the stave church is Germany’s only sacred building in the Norwegian dragon style. The Selketalbahn also has a turning loop there, described as Europe’s smallest. Stieger See lies in the centre of Stiege and is surrounded by green meadows and forests. For hikers travelling in stages, Stiege offers the “Ways of German Emperors and Kings” history trail, the Selketal-Stieg and the VIA ROMEA pilgrimage route.

Rübeland is also part of the broader Oberharz am Brocken travel destination: the Rübeland dripstone caves are located right in the heart of the village.

Discover more destinations: Rübeland, Sorge, Benneckenstein, Elend, Königshütte, Hasselfelde, Elbingerode, Stiege.

Back to the broader travel overview: Oberharz Am Brocken.