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Vitalhotel Schulenberg
Rates & dates
Vitalhotel Schulenberg in the Upper Harz, near the Oker Reservoir

Your base camp · Upper Harz

Everything that makes the Harz
special, begins here.

Das Vitalhotel lies in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Harz Water Management System — in the Upper Harz, near the Oker Reservoir and Germany's northernmost bike park. Much of what other hotels advertise as „nearby“ really is, here, in the surrounding area.

Hiking trails, ski areas, thermal baths, mines, boat lines, culture and gastronomy spread across a radius of zero to 35 kilometres. With the Harz Guest Card many of them are free or discounted for you.

Distance overview

Das Vitalhotel at the centre

All distances from the hotel · driving time approx. 1 min / km

01 — In the area

Lake Oker comes with it.
No transfer, no planning.

Oker Dam – dam wall seen from the lake
1 kmUNESCO World Heritage

Nature & Water

Oker Reservoir & Dam

225 hectares of clear mountain water in the area. Swimming, stand-up paddling, sailing, fishing — or simply sitting by the shore and watching the light move across the lake. The 75-metre-high dam wall can be reached on a hike and offers a view you won't forget in a hurry.

Address
Schulenberg im Oberharz
Hours
Freely accessible at all times
Admission
Free · fishing permit from €8.00 (day ticket, from May 1)

Harz Guest Card

  • ReducedOker Reservoir fishing permit — €1.00 discount on the day ticket
View route
0 km

Hiking & Nature

Guided Hikes Schulenberg

Themed hikes around Schulenberg — straight from the hotel, free for all overnight guests. The routes follow the historic water-management system of the Upper Harz (UNESCO World Heritage), lead to the Oker Reservoir and through the mountain forests. Start times and meeting points at the Schulenberg Tourist Information.

Address
Schulenberg im Oberharz
Phone
+49 (0)5328 802-0
Website
oberharz.de

Harz Guest Card

  • FreeGuided themed hikes — completely free
View route
0 km

Sport & Fitness

Vita Fitness Trail at the Hotel

The fitness trail right by the hotel is free to use — for all guests, at any time of day. Strength, stretching and coordination exercises at open-air stations along a forest path. Ideal as a morning routine or for active recovery between excursions.

Address
Right at Vitalhotel Schulenberg
Hours
Freely accessible at all times
Admission
Free
View route
MS AquaMarin on the Oker Reservoir

Coming soon

Coming Soon

2 km

Boat Trips

MS AquaMarin

The only scheduled boat on a Harz reservoir — and one of the most peaceful ways to get to know the Upper Harz. 90 minutes on 35 metres of steel, past cliff formations and forests, to the dam wall and back. On board: Restaurant Nautico with hot dishes, cake and Harz cream puffs.

Address
Weißwasserbrücke 1 jetty · 38707 Schulenberg
Hours
March to January · per timetable (check website)
Admission
Adults 13 € · children 4–14 yrs €6.50
Website
okersee.de
View route
Chairlift and mountain bike trails at the bike park
1 km

Mountain Biking

Racepark Schulenberg

Germany's northernmost bike park — with real character. Six trails, a chairlift up to 645 metres above sea level, a downhill that draws World Cup riders from across northern Germany. Chicken ways for beginners. The combination ticket with the St. Andreasberg bike park expands the offering considerably. Season April to October.

Address
38707 Schulenberg im Oberharz
Phone
+49 5329 6909090
Hours
Sat / Sun / public holidays 10 am – 6 pm · April to October
Admission
Day ticket 25 € (adults) · 22 € (youth) · 20 € (children)
Website
racepark-schulenberg.de
View route
Ski slope and ski lift in the Harz in winter
1 km

Winter Sports

Ski-Alpinum Schulenberg

When the first snow falls, the neighbourhood transforms. Four pistes, two double drag lifts, a black slalom run — and reliably skiable thanks to snowmaking. No parking at the lift: five shuttle stops take you there and back in comfort (2 €).

Address
Schultal 3a · 38707 Altenau
Phone
+49 5329 6909090
Hours
Weekends / public holidays / school holidays · floodlit skiing on request
Admission
Day ticket 35 € · shuttle 2 € (round trip)
Website
alpinum-schulenberg.de
View route

02 — 5 – 15 km

Ten minutes. One highlight after another.
Altenau, Clausthal, Wildemann, the Oker valley.

5 kmFree with guest card

Spa & Sauna

Kristall »Heißer Brocken«

Thermal brine and sauna world right inside the Altenau spa centre — and completely free for all Vitalhotel guests with the Harz Guest Card. Thermal water, saunas, steam baths and relaxation areas in a calm atmosphere. A highlight many Harz visitors never discover.

Address
Spa centre · 38707 Altenau
Phone
+49 (0)5328 802-0
Website
oberharz.de

Harz Guest Card

  • FreeThermal brine & sauna world — completely free
  • FreeWi-Fi hotspot at the spa centre — free
View route
Altenau Herb Adventure Park – beds and planting
5 km

Garden & Recreation

Altenau Herb Adventure Park

Over 30,000 m² planted with herbs and spices from around the world — Germany's largest herb park lies ten minutes from the hotel. The fragrant stroll through the beds is one of those moments when you understand why people come to the Harz. Shop and café open in winter, too.

Address
Schultal 11 · 38707 Altenau
Phone
+49 5328 911684
Hours
Apr – Oct: Tue – Sun 10 am – 6 pm (closed Mon) · Nov – Mar: 11 am – 5 pm
Website
kraeuterpark-altenau.de

Harz Guest Card

  • ReducedDay ticket — €0.50 discount
View route
Der Windbeutel-König near the Oker Reservoir in Altenau
5 km

Café & Day Trip

Der Windbeutel-König

A Harz institution. Savoury cream puffs with Harz cheese, sweet ones with wild berries, classic ones with vanilla cream — in the Gemkental valley near Altenau, the Windbeutel-Paradies has held its firm place in the Harz for decades. Expect a queue. It's worth it.

Address
Gemkenthal 1 · 38707 Altenau
Phone
+49 5328 1713
Hours
Fri – Sun 11:30 am – 5:00 pm · varies seasonally, check in advance
Website
windbeutel-paradies.de
View route
Market Church of the Holy Spirit in Clausthal-Zellerfeld
8 km

Mining Town & Culture

Clausthal-Zellerfeld

The former seat of Upper Harz mining is today a university town — and one of the most underrated destinations in the Harz. Europe's largest wooden church, the Upper Harz Mining Museum with a real mine tour, the university's mineral collection and the birthplace of Nobel laureate Robert Koch. All in one place.

Address
Clausthal-Zellerfeld · approx. 8 km · Tourist Info: Adolph-Roemer-Str. 20
Phone
+49 (0)5323 810-24
Hours
Mining Museum: open daily · Tourist Info: Mon – Fri 9 am – 6 pm
Website
oberharz.de

Harz Guest Card

  • FreeUpper Harz Mining Museum — free admission
  • ReducedUpper Harz Ponds fishing permit — €1.00 disc. (day ticket), €4.00 disc. (3-day)
  • ReducedClausthal-Zellerfeld open-air pool, Berliner Str. — €0.30 discount
  • ReducedGlassworks at the Crafts Yard — 10 % on glass-ball blowing
View route
8 km

Crafts & Experience

Clausthal Crafts Yard

Hands-on glass art — at the historic glassworks of the Crafts Yard, visitors can watch glass balls being blown and try it themselves. Several workshops of different trades on one site. Ideal for an afternoon that lasts longer than planned.

Address
Crafts Yard · 38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld
Phone
+49 (0)5323 810-24
Website
oberharz.de

Harz Guest Card

  • ReducedGlassworks — 10 % discount on glass-ball blowing
View route
12 km

Mining & History

19-Lachter-Stollen Show Mine

Descend underground into the history of Upper Harz mining — the 19-Lachter-Stollen in Wildemann is one of the most impressive show mines in the region. Helmets required, protective clothing, real tunnels. Not a theme park — the real thing.

Address
38709 Wildemann
Phone
+49 (0)5323 6111
Website
oberharz.de

Harz Guest Card

  • ReducedAdult admission — €1.00 discount
View route
Romkerhall Waterfall in the Oker valley
12 km

Nature Experience

Romkerhall Waterfall

64 metres of free fall — the highest waterfall in the Harz, created in 1863 by King George V to frame his hunting lodge romantically. In spring the meltwater roars over the cliff. In winter it freezes completely and attracts ice climbers. Free parking right on the B498, no entry fee.

Address
On the B498, Romkerhall · approx. 12 km · free parking
Hours
Freely accessible at all times
Admission
Free
View route
12 km

Open-Air Pool

Spiegelbad Wildemann

The open-air pool in Wildemann sits idyllically nestled in the Oker valley — a classic summer pool with a diving tower and lawn. Admission is reduced with the Harz Guest Card. Perfect for hot Harz days.

Address
38709 Wildemann
Phone
+49 (0)5323 6111
Website
oberharz.de

Harz Guest Card

  • ReducedOpen-air pool admission — €0.50 discount
View route

03 — 20 – 35 km

A full programme as a day trip.
Goslar, Braunlage, Bad Harzburg.

Braunlage and Wurmberg in winter
20 km

Ski Area & Hiking

Braunlage & Wurmberg

The Wurmberg is northern Germany's largest ski area — wide pistes, a toboggan run, a fun park and a gondola with views of the Brocken. In summer the mountain bike trails open and the Harz National Park offers hikes through untouched landscape. The indoor and leisure pool is half price with the guest card.

Address
Braunlage · approx. 20 km
Phone
+49 (0)5520 930-70
Website
braunlage.de

Harz Guest Card

  • FreeGuided hikes May – October — free
  • FreeNational park info at the spa centre — free
  • ReducedIndoor & leisure pool with sauna — 50 % discount
  • ReducedAdventure Golf Park — €1.00 discount
  • ReducedLocal history & FIS ski museum — €0.50 discount
  • ReducedIce rink — €0.50 discount
View route
Rammelsberg Mine in Goslar – UNESCO World Heritage
25 kmUNESCO World Heritage

UNESCO World Heritage

Goslar & Rammelsberg Mine

Goslar has the oldest completely preserved medieval townscape in Germany. Imperial Palace, 1,500 half-timbered houses, a Gothic town hall. Right on the edge of town: the Rammelsberg — the only mine in the world to have operated without interruption for over 1,000 years, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. The Museumsufer and Imperial Palace are free with the guest card.

Address
Bergtal 19 · 38640 Goslar
Phone
+49 (0)5321 780-60
Hours
Daily 9 am – 6 pm (Apr – Oct) · 9 am – 5 pm (Nov – Mar)
Admission
Single ticket 10 € (adults) · €5.50 (children)
Website
mein-goslar.de

Harz Guest Card

  • FreeMuseumsufer (Goslar Museum + Pewter Figure Museum) — free
  • FreeImperial Palace Goslar — free
View route
35 km

Spa & Wellness

Bad Harzburg Brine Spa

Brine spa and sauna world in Bad Harzburg — one of the most renowned wellness addresses in the Harz. Several saunas, an outdoor brine pool, steam baths. With the Harz Guest Card there is a fixed discount on every rate. Ideal as a full-day destination after an active week of hiking.

Address
Bad Harzburg · approx. 35 km
Phone
+49 (0)5322 75330
Website
bad-harzburg.de

Harz Guest Card

  • ReducedBathing (2.5 hrs) — €0.60 discount
  • ReducedBathing (full day) — €1.10 discount
  • ReducedSauna (full day) — €1.10 discount
View route
35 km

Nature & Experience

HarzWaldHaus Bad Harzburg

The HarzWaldHaus combines natural history, environmental education and hands-on experience across several floors — for families and nature lovers alike. The Harz Guest Card grants an unusually high discount: 50 % off admission. An outing that pairs well with the treetop walk next door.

Address
Bad Harzburg · approx. 35 km
Phone
+49 (0)5322 75330
Website
bad-harzburg.de

Harz Guest Card

  • ReducedAdmission — 50 % discount
View route
Bad Harzburg Treetop Walk – viewing platform in the forest
35 km

Nature & Family

Bad Harzburg Treetop Walk

A 1,000-metre path 20 to 26 metres above the forest floor — year-round, barrier-free, with 18 platforms, glass canopies and a skywalk. Combine it with the Burgberg cable car and the HarzWaldHaus for a day out you won't forget.

Address
Nordhäuser Straße 2d · 38667 Bad Harzburg
Phone
+49 5322 75333
Hours
Apr – Oct: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm · Nov – Mar: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Website
baumwipfelpfad-harz.de
View route

04 — Hiking & Nature

113 km of UNESCO water management.
And that's just one trail.

UNESCO World Heritage · 113 km

WasserWanderWege

The heart of the Upper Harz hiking network: 113 kilometres along the historic water-management system that powered the mining district for centuries. Ponds, ditches, tunnels — all accessible on foot. Cultural heritage and nature in one.

Starting point: Schulenberg Tourist Info · Tel. +49 (0)5328 802-0 · www.oberharz.de

Harz Guest Card

FreeGuided hikes Schulenberg — free with guest card

Stamp card · Bronze / Silver / Gold

Harzer Wandernadel

The Harz stamp-card system: 222 stamp boxes spread across tourist highlights throughout the entire Harz region. Collect enough and you earn a hiking badge in bronze, silver or gold. Suitable for beginners and experienced hikers alike.

Stamp card free at the Schulenberg Tourist Info · Tel. +49 (0)5328 802-0

Therapeutic · Certified

Climatic Health Hiking Altenau

Altenau is an officially recognised climatic health resort. Climatic health hiking uses the special mountain climate therapeutically — guided, in small groups, with a medically grounded approach. Suitable for beginners, too.

Altenau Tourist Info · Tel. +49 (0)5328 802-0 · www.oberharz.de

Harz Guest Card

ReducedThemed climatic health hikes — €1.00 discount with guest card

Long-distance trail · challenging

Teufelsstieg

The Teufelsstieg is one of the best-known long-distance trails in the Harz — technically demanding, scenically spectacular. Rock passages, stream crossings, far-reaching views. Reachable from Schulenberg in several stages.

Schulenberg Tourist Info · Tel. +49 (0)5328 802-0

Nature · Moorland

Torfhausmoor & Oderteich

The Torfhaus Moor is one of the oldest raised bogs in Lower Saxony — a peculiar landscape preserved more completely here than in any other German low-mountain region. The Oderteich next to it is one of the oldest reservoirs in Germany.

Torfhaus (National Park Centre) · approx. 15 km from the hotel

Relaxation · Mindfulness

Forest Bathing in the Harz Forest

Forest bathing — the conscious lingering in the forest — finds ideal conditions in the Upper Harz with its quiet spruce and mixed forests. Guided forest-bathing sessions on request via the Tourist Information.

Schulenberg Tourist Info · Tel. +49 (0)5328 802-0 · www.oberharz.de

05 — Cycling & MTB

Downhill, Devil's Trail, e-bike.
The Upper Harz has the right pace for everyone.

MTB · single track · challenging

Devil's Trail

The Devil's Trail is the best-known single track in the Upper Harz — technical, narrow, demanding. Descents through dense forest with natural obstacles. For experienced mountain bikers who know what they're doing. Starts in the Schulenberg / Altenau area.

Schulenberg Tourist Info · Tel. +49 (0)5328 802-0 · www.oberharz.de

E-bike · leisure tours · all levels

E-Bike Tours Upper Harz

Several signposted e-bike routes open up the Upper Harz comfortably — from short day tours to multi-day routes. The Tourist Information keeps up-to-date maps and route recommendations on hand.

Schulenberg Tourist Info · Tel. +49 (0)5328 802-0 · www.oberharz.de

MTB rental · 5 km

Bike Rental Altenau

MTB Rental Harz in Altenau hires out mountain bikes and e-bikes — ideal for spontaneous tours or when you've left your own bike at home. Daily and weekly rental, helmets and protectors included.

MTB Rental Harz · 38707 Altenau · approx. 5 km from the hotel

MTB & e-bike · 8 km

Bike Rental Clausthal

OutdoorCenter Harz in Clausthal-Zellerfeld offers mountain bikes, e-bikes and standard bicycles — with advice on suitable tours for all fitness levels.

OutdoorCenter Harz · 38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld · approx. 8 km

Tarmac & gravel · for endurance riders

Gravel & Road Cycling

The Upper Harz high roads and surfaced forest and service tracks offer outstanding conditions for gravel and road cycling — little traffic, wide views, clean air.

Schulenberg Tourist Info · Tel. +49 (0)5328 802-0

Cycle touring · marked routes

Volksbank Arena Harz

The regional cycle network of the Volksbank Arena Harz comprises numerous signposted routes of varying difficulty — for families, leisure cyclists and sporty riders alike.

Current map at the Tourist Info · Tel. +49 (0)5328 802-0

06 — Fishing

38 waters. UNESCO World Heritage.
Brown trout, pike, carp, eel.

The Upper Harz Ponds are part of the UNESCO World Heritage water-management system — and at the same time one of the most attractive fishing grounds in northern Germany. With the Harz Guest Card, a fixed discount applies to day and multi-day fishing permits.

UNESCO World Heritage · ~38 waters

Upper Harz Ponds

Around 38 historic storage ponds from the Upper Harz mining water network are open to anglers — from April 15. Brown trout, pike, perch, carp and eel. Day ticket €14.50–15.50, 3-day ticket €31.50–35.50.

Schulenberg Tourist Info · Tel. +49 (0)5328 802-0 · www.oberharz.de

Harz Guest Card

ReducedDay fishing permit — €1.00 disc. · 3-day permit — €4.00 disc.

Nearby · from May 1

Oker Dam

The Oker Reservoir right outside the hotel door opens to anglers from May 1. Day ticket 8–10 €, season ticket 60 €. Brown trout and pike in 225 hectares of mountain water.

Fishing permits via Schulenberg Tourist Info · Tel. +49 (0)5328 802-0

Harz Guest Card

ReducedDay fishing permit — €1.00 discount

Seasonal fishing · July – November

Innerste Dam

The Innerste Dam is accessible from July to the end of November. 3-day tickets from 35 €, available at the Tourist Information. A quiet fishing spot away from the main routes.

Schulenberg Tourist Info · Tel. +49 (0)5328 802-0

A valid fishing licence is required. Fishing permits available at the Schulenberg Tourist Information. All information without guarantee — please check current season dates in advance.

Harz Guest Card

Included. For every guest.

With the guest contribution, all overnight guests receive the Harz Guest Card — and the HATIX ticket for free bus travel throughout the Upper Harz. Here is a selection of the benefits in your immediate surroundings.

Schulenberg

0 km

+49 (0)5328 802-0

www.oberharz.de
  • FreeGuided themed hikes — free

Altenau

5 km

+49 (0)5328 802-0

www.oberharz.de
  • FreeKristall »Heißer Brocken« — thermal brine & sauna world free
  • FreeWi-Fi hotspot at the spa centre — free
  • FreeGuided Harz Club hikes — free
  • FreeHalf-day hikes / torchlight hikes — free
  • ReducedHerb Park with Spice Gallery — €0.50 discount
  • ReducedClimatic health hiking / themed hikes — €1.00 discount
  • ReducedUpper Harz Ponds fishing permit — €1.00 disc. (day ticket), €4.00 disc. (3-day)

Clausthal-Zellerfeld

8 km

+49 (0)5323 810-24

www.oberharz.de
  • FreeUpper Harz Mining Museum — free admission
  • ReducedUpper Harz Ponds fishing permit — €1.00 disc. (day ticket), €4.00 disc. (3-day)
  • ReducedClausthal-Zellerfeld open-air pool — €0.30 discount
  • ReducedGlassworks at the Crafts Yard — 10 % on glass-ball blowing

Wildemann

12 km

+49 (0)5323 6111

www.oberharz.de
  • Reduced19-Lachter-Stollen show mine — €1.00 discount (adults)
  • ReducedUpper Harz Ponds fishing permit — €1.00 disc. (day ticket)
  • ReducedSpiegelbad (open-air pool) — €0.50 discount

Braunlage

20 km

+49 (0)5520 930-70

www.braunlage.de
  • FreeGuided hikes May – October — free
  • FreeNational park information at the spa centre — free
  • ReducedIndoor & leisure pool with sauna — 50 % discount
  • ReducedAdventure Golf Park — €1.00 discount
  • ReducedLocal history & FIS ski museum — €0.50 discount
  • ReducedIce rink — €0.50 discount

Goslar

25 km

+49 (0)5321 780-60

www.mein-goslar.de
  • FreeMuseumsufer (Goslar Museum + Pewter Figure Museum) — free
  • FreeImperial Palace Goslar — free

Bad Harzburg

35 km

+49 (0)5322 75330

www.bad-harzburg.de
  • ReducedHarzWaldHaus — 50 % discount
  • ReducedBad Harzburg Brine Spa — bathing (2.5 h) €0.60 / bathing (full day) €1.10 / sauna €1.10 disc.
  • ReducedWildcat enclosure — €0.50 discount
  • ReducedCity tours / hikes — €2.00 discount

As of: Harz Guest Card benefits overview June 2025 (Harzer Tourismusverband e.V.) · All information without guarantee

All about the guest card →

Planning & recommendations

Questions about the area?
We know every trail.

Current timetables, weather info and personal recommendations — just ask by email. We're happy to share specific tours, fishing spots and insider tips.

hallo@vitalhotel-schulenberg.deHarz Guest Card & guest contribution →
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