Elend: Wooden Church, Forest Lido and Surroundings

Wooden Church and Viewpoint

The wooden church in Elend is a local landmark. This half-timbered building in the Neo-Gothic style covers 60 m² and has a “rolling” altar. Its construction, architectural style and altar give the church a distinctive character. The floor area helps put the building’s compact size into perspective; the unusual altar is another striking feature. If you are interested in architecture as well as scenery, the wooden church offers a specific cultural point of interest in Elend.

Nearby is Helenenruh, a viewpoint close to Schierke. It is situated at an altitude of 600 m above the Elend Valley. This named scenic spot adds to the local attractions, while remaining distinct from a building or amenity in the town center.

The Forest Lido in Summer

The forest lido is on the edge of the forest and offers a swimming pool, a children’s pool and a slide in summer. Facilities also include a lily pond, a beach volleyball court and a sunbathing lawn. This means there are other specifically listed options alongside swimming. The children’s pool may be relevant when planning a trip with children; the slide, beach volleyball court and sunbathing lawn add to the description of the outdoor pool. Note the seasonal schedule: the lido is described as a summer attraction. If you are planning a visit, check its operating status in advance.

Hiking in the Wider Oberharz am Brocken Destination

Two moderate hikes in the wider Oberharz am Brocken destination are described, with different distances and durations. The 2.8 km route to the Krockstein viewpoint passes through mixed forest; the stated walking time is 55 minutes. The circular trail around the Hasselvorsperre near Hasselfelde is 5.5 km long, with a stated duration of 1 hour 28 minutes. These details help you compare the planned hiking time and distance. Check current trail conditions before setting off.

Culture and Craft in Oberharz am Brocken

Charcoal making is another regional attraction. At the Harzköhlerei Stemberghaus, traditional earth kilns are built, fired and harvested from early April to the end of October, offering a chance to experience the traditional craft of charcoal making firsthand. The charcoal-making museum provides an impression of the difficult working and living conditions of charcoal burners. The two attractions highlight different aspects of the subject: the practical work at the earth kiln and the conditions of life and work.

In Hasselfelde, the Blumenau Museum in the Haus des Gastes presents the life and work of chemist and emigrant Hermann Blumenau in pictures and text. The local history room in the Haus des Gastes tells the story of the town and the lives and work of its residents. For opening hours of the local history room, contact the Tourist Information Office. Another architectural curiosity in the wider destination is the Stiege Stake Church: it is the only religious building in Germany in the Norwegian Dragon style. Hasselfelde is also home to the three-aisled Gothic Basilica of St. Anthony’s Church.

Trails and Rail in Hasselfelde

Hasselfelde has an extensive network of hiking trails that includes the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg, nature trails and the Köhlerweg. These trails provide access on foot to sights and attractions in the surrounding area. Hasselfelde is also named as a starting point for train journeys: from there, you can take the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway daily to the Brocken or into the Selke Valley. Check the current timetable before travelling.

Other notable destinations in the wider Oberharz am Brocken area include the Rübeland stalactite caves, located right in the center of Rübeland, and the Stieger See in the middle of Stiege, surrounded by meadows and forests. These town and landscape attractions help you plan your stay beyond Elend.

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

Back to the destination overview: Oberharz Am Brocken.