Gernrode

Recreation, culture & nature on the edge of the Harz

In addition to its winding old town, the district of Gernrode surprises visitors with historic buildings, above all the Collegiate Church St. Cyriacus, which is located on the southern route of the Romanesque Road.

Collegiate Church St. Cyriacus

In the middle of the 10th century, the clearing "Geronisroth" first appeared as a term. There is evidence that in 961 King Otto I took under his protection the abbey of Cyriacus, which had been founded shortly before. To this day, the Ottonian Collegiate Church of St. Cyriacus is the landmark of Gernrode and impresses with one of the oldest hall crypts in Germany, a Byzantine nave and one of the oldest preserved replicas of the tomb of Christ north of the Alps. After its time as a princely cathedral, towards the end of the 17th century the abbey was converted into a “castle” and lost its centuries-old importance as a monastery. Today the church is used as a parish church and place for special musical events.

Alte Elementarschule Gernrode

The “Alte Elementarschule” is probably the oldest elementary school in Germany from 1533. The cultural association “Andreas Popperodt e. V”. acquired the dilapidated building and restored it with great effort. Today, guided tours of the house are offered. You can also experience a lesson in the historical classroom, art exhibitions, exhibitions on the history of the city and school, the permanent exhibition “Minerals of the Harz”, fairytale lessons on the tiled stove with baked apples, cultural events as well as various readings and lectures.

Active Holiday

In addition to cultural sights, Gernrode with its location directly on the Harz also offers many opportunities for active recreation. The district is a very good starting point for hiking enthusiasts or fans of Nordic Walking. Several circular hiking trails open up the area and from Gernrode-Haferfeld there is a well-signposted network Nordic walking routes with different lengths and difficulties available. These can also be used by hikers. With a campsite located in the middle of the forest at the Bremer Teich, with hotels in different price categories as well as guest houses and apartments, Gernrode has a wide range of offers for those seeking relaxation.

Harzer Uhrenmuseum

During a visit you can expect around 300 different cuckoo clocks, grandfather clocks and many other exhibits. During a guided tour you will learn about the history of watchmaking in Gernrode. In the workshop, you can look over the watchmaker’s shoulder while making a cuckoo clock. Children have a lot of fun at the appearance of the cuckoo of the giant cuckoo clock (14.50 m). The weather house at the house gable with water wheel and saw grate, as well as the largest cuckoo clock made of chocolate are further highlights when visiting the clock museum. If you want, you can purchase a cuckoo clock in any price segment. For the physical well-being is provided in our restaurant with outdoor terrace.

Are you planning a holiday in Gernrode? The team of the Bad Suderode Information is happy to answer any questions you may have. Of course, you can also send us your booking request for our short trip “Explore the Districts – Gernrode & Bad Suderode.”