Thale

Understand

It is believed that Thale emerged at the beginning of the 10th century and was first mentioned in 936 in connection with Wendhausen abbey, however the abbey was later destroyed in 1525 due to the Peasant’s war. Records have shown that from 1445 there was a working ironworks which was rebuilt in 1648 and it was partially destroyed during the Thirty Years War, it was completely destroyed in 1670. However it was later rebuilt in a small hammer mill due to the close proximity of the ore deposits and availability of wood, this lasted until 1714. Thale has always had a connection with the iron industry which shows in the number of workers it had, it went from 350 in 1872 to 4,400 in 1905. From 1916 Thale produced steel helmets and during the Second World War Thale had the monopoly on the product. Tourism only started to flourish from the 19th century onwards this was due to the Hubertus spring which opened in 1836.

Getting there

Plane Leipzig Airport (LEJ IATA) is east of Thale and is around 120 km (roughly 1½ hours) from Thale. There are a number of international and national flights to/from Leipzig. Hanover Airport (HAJ IATA) is about 154 km west of Thale (roughly 1 hr 40 min drive). The airport is situated in Langenhagen, 11 km the north of Hanover city centre and has easy access to the autobahn.

Car Thale is very close to Quedlinburg and Blankenburg and in the north /east of the Harz. Thale is just off the B6, which is a newly built road connecting the East with the West.

North A7 direction Kassel, take Exit A2 direction Braunschweig, then continue A391 towards A39, head towards B6 via A395. Follow direction Thale. South/West On the A7 direction Hannover take exit 66 to Goslar B82 and B6, Thale is sign posted. East Take the A14 exit 10 direction Aschersleben, then follow B185 to Aschersleben, take theB6 and then L240, Thale is sign posted

Train 1 Thale Central Station. The main station (Hauptbahnhof) is in the west of the town, on Bahnhofstr 1 From there you can take trains to major cities. Check Train times for routes.

Bus You can take buses to any major cities and places around Harz. The Busbahnhof (main bus station) is near the Hauptbahnhof. The bus service goes via Q Bus. Check for routes and timings

Getting around

By train Thale railway station lies on the Magdeburg–Thale railway which is a single non electrified track that connect Thale to Magdeburg. You can also connect to Berlin and Stendal.

By bike There are a number of mountain bike paths around Thale to enjoy, it is possible to hire a bike and explore them for yourself. A number of hotels and shops around the area offer bike rental so there is no need to take your own. Prices will vary from different establishments and type of bike.

By taxi There are a number of taxi companies within the town, you will find more information on the website. Alternatively head towards the train station it will always be possible to get a taxi from there.

Parking There are car parks just outside the town centre at reasonable prices. For more information check the website.

See

DDR Museum, Steinbachstraße A, ☏ +49 394765633. M-F 10:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-16:00. Since 2000 the building has operated as a furniture store. The 6th floor of the building is used as a museum. It aims to convey through the exhibits, showcases, and information boards an impression of the living conditions in the former East Germany. Adult €5, Child €3. 1 Walpurgis Hall. (updated Apr 2019) 2 Hexentanzplatz (Witches′ Dance Floor). (updated Apr 2019)

Do

Amusement and recreational Seilbahnen Thale Erlebniswelt. FunPark, Parkplatz Seilbahnen. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Mar closed. There are two fun parks with trampolines, comet, Euro bungees and bumper boats. 1 chip €1, 6 chips €5. Gondola to Hexentanzplatz, Seilbahn parkplatz. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Jan Weekends 10:00-16:30; Feb-Mar 10:00-16:30. Take the cable railway up to the Hexenplatz where you can see views of cliffy rocks, green meadows, wild waters and the "Brocken" mountain and the "Teufelsmauer" (the devil's wall) in the distance. Adult €3-4.90; child €2-3. Harz Bob, Hexentanzplat. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00; Nov-Jan closed; Feb-Apr weekends 10:00-16:30. You can ride down into the valley and decide how fast you will go. This is a unique attraction and runs in all weather conditions. It is the longest in Germany. Adults €2.50; child €1.50. Chairlift, Seibahnen. Apr-Oct 09:30-18:00 Nov-Jan Closed Feb-Mar Weekends 10:00-16:30. Admire the views from the chairlift, and when you reach the top, look for the famous hoof print of princess Brunhilde's legendary horse. Adult €2.50-€3.80; child €1.50-€2.

Events Walpurgis, Musestieg 28, ☏ +49 39475527. 30 April. Witches are believed to ride on broomsticks to places of old pagan sacrifices in the Harz Mountains, however it is now one big party and a chance for everyone to dress up as witches and devils. International Folklore Festival for Children, Steinbachstr. 6, ☏ +49 3947941341, fax: +49 39477729486, [email protected]. Late Jul-Aug. The market place brings together singers, musicians and dancers from throughout the world. Rosstrappen downhill, DH Track, ☏ +49 1792117183, fax: +49 3947-2645, [email protected]. Sep. A massive mountain biking event that takes place every year.

Sport 1 Walking - Hexenstieg, Osterode. Discover the whole of the Harz on this 97 km walk which starts in Osterrode and ends in Thale. (Website in German.) Mountain Biking. There are a number of different biking tours y

Buy

There are a number of family run shops within the town with the majority of them staying open until 18:00, all shops will be closed on Sunday. There is a large furniture store from kitchens to bedrooms, this store is open until 19:00 during the week.

Flea Market, Walpurgisstraße, ☏ +49 5305912440. Various times throughout the year 08:00-16:00. A chance to pick up some items at the local flea market. Entrance €1.50. Weekly Market, Rathausplatz 1, ☏ +49 39474700. Every Thursday from 08:00-14:00. Weekly market where you can buy fresh, fruit, veg, meat and cheese. Christmas Market, Rathausplatz. Fourth weekend in advent. The town square is transformed with Christmas lights and stalls where you can purchase local crafts and food. Various. Spielwaren & Souvenirs, Karl-Marx-Str 20, ☏ +49 39473004. A chance to buy a souvenir from the Harz.

Eat

There are a number of different types of food specific to the Harz region. The Harz cheese or known locally as Harzer roller is made from sour milk quark it takes 1638 days to mature. The cheese can be brought from any local markets or shops. Many of the restaurants in the area will serve game on their menus, this is due to there being a number of woods for the wild animals to live in.

Budget Böttchers Bierstube, Roßtrappenstr. 80, ☏ +49 39472462. Ideal for a quick snack, serves fast food. Imbiss-Mehmo-Grill, Bahnhofstr. 1. Snack bar serving chips, donner kebabs and burgers. Dirk Kreft, Karl-Marx-Str. 25, ☏ +49 394724