Brocken

The Brocken, also known as Blocksberg, is the highest peak of the Harz mountains in northern Germany, rising to 1,141 meters above sea level. It lies on the border between Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony and forms part of the Harz National Park.

Geology and environment: The mountain is mainly composed of granite. The summit area is treeless and windswept, with scrubby vegetation at the lower slopes. The climate is subalpine, with frequent fog, strong winds, and snow in winter.

Access and infrastructure: The summit is reached by the Brocken Railway, a narrow-gauge line operated by Harzer Schmalspurbahnen that runs from Wernigerode to the summit via Schierke. A weather station and meteorological observatory operate on the summit, serving national weather services. The site features a viewing platform and visitor facilities.

Cultural and historical significance: The Brocken has a long association with German folklore as the Blocksberg, reputedly the site of witches’ gatherings on Walpurgis Night. It is also referenced in literature, notably in Goethe’s Faust. The Brocken spectre, a magnified shadow cast on clouds, is a well-known optical phenomenon observed from the summit.

Historical context: During the division of Germany, the Brocken lay near the inner German border and was part of East Germany; access was restricted for periods. Since German reunification, it has been accessible to visitors and integrated into the Harz National Park.