Harz district acquires Brockenkuppe: A historic purchase for the region!

Harz district acquires Brockenkuppe: A historic purchase for the region!

The legends and myths surrounding the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz, are taking an interesting turn: the Harz district recently acquired the famous mountain top for an impressive 3.5 million euros. This means that two properties, including the Brocken Tower, the tourist hall and the weather house, now officially belong to the district. District Administrator Thomas Balcerowski speaks of a historical moment that is in the same league as the construction of the first television tower in 1936 or the opening of the Brocken on December 3, 1989. A step that should not only boost regional tourism, but also preserve a piece of history. This reports Deutschlandfunk culture.

At 1,142 meters, the Brocken, also known as Blocksberg, is the highest point in northern Germany. A microclimate similar to that of 2000 meter high mountains means that the summit region is often shrouded in fog. Snow typically occurs from September to May, while the average annual temperature is just 2.9°C. The region not only attracts hikers, but is also closely intertwined with legends about witches and the devil. Goethe visited the Brocken in 1777 and shaped the literary tradition of the place with his work “Faust”. The Brocken is even part of a national park and has a historic botanical garden that was founded in 1890. provides information about this Faust.com.

Myths and history

The Brocken is more than just a mountain; it is the scene of many myths and bears the title of the center of the witches' sabbath. Over the centuries, witches gathered on the Night of Walpurgis to celebrate with the devil - a custom that continues to this day. Heinrich Heine also traveled to the Brocken and described its mystical atmosphere in “Harzreise” (1826). The location's influence extends into pop culture, with mentions in songs and albums by bands such as Fates Warning, Cradle of Filth and Black Sabbath, among others National Geographic documented.

Another aspect is the use of the chunk for technical purposes. The old television tower, first built in 1935, broadcast the first television broadcasts of the Olympic Games in 1936. Today the summit is a central location for FM radio and television broadcasts. The historical value is underlined by the planned construction of a new multi-purpose hall for theater performances and conferences. These developments are intended not only to expand the cultural offerings, but also to bring the Brocken back into the public eye.

How will the Brocken develop in the future? With the innovations and the ongoing appeal of the myths, the Harz district has a good sense of how to combine tradition and innovation. It remains to be seen how the situation at the Brocken will develop, but one thing is certain: the fascination for this mystical place remains unbroken.