Goslar Travel Guide

The ore mines of the Rammelsberg are the only mines in the world which were in uninterrupted operation for over 1000 years. It and the medieval Old Town of Goslar with the Imperial Palace were placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992. Ten centuries of mining history are documented in the Rammelsberg, which shut down in 1988, leaving a large inventory of mining monuments: the slag heaps (10th century), the Rathstiefste Gallery (one of the oldest and best maintained galleries of German mining, 12th century), the Feuergezähe Vault (oldest underground stone-masonry mine chamber in Europe, 13th century), the Maltermeister Tower (the oldest above ground structure of German mining, 15th century), the Roeder Gallery (18th/19th century) with two original water wheels, and the above ground mining plant from the 1930’s.

With its wealth of nearly 30 million tons of ore the Rammelsberg influenced the history and development of the town of Goslar. The silver- and copper-rich Rammelsberg gave Heinrich II the impetus to establish a royal palatinate here in the 11th century; in 1009 the first imperial diet was held in Goslar. Goslar was a favourite residence of German kings and emperors until 1253. Trade in metals led to membership in the Hanseatic League.

Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (except 24th and 31st December), last underground mine tour (Roeder Gallery Tour) 4:30 p.m.

Admission: Adults 12 €, Concessions 7 €.

The Imperial Palace, built between 1040 and 1050 during the reign of Heinrich III, is a unique secular architecture monument. For more than 200 years German and European history was made here. In the St. Ulrich Chapel at the south end a stone sarcophagus with the figure of Heinrich III on the cover houses the gold capsule containing the heart of the emperor, who died in 1056. In the late 19th century both the Palace and the Chapel were renovated extensively and the interior of the Palace upper hall was decorated with monumental murals by H. Wislicenus. The ground floor has an extensive exhibition of itinerant imperial rule.

Hours: April - October: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., November - March: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Admission: Adults 4.50 €, Concessions 2.50 €.

Just like the Broad Gate, one of Goslar’s four main town gates, the massive Zwinger Tower arrests the attention of those driving by. Pedestrians in the green belt park, as well, stop to gaze in awe. Built to protect the Rammelsberg and the east flank of the town up to the Broad Gate, it was one of the mightiest defences in Europe. Up to 1000 people could find safety in its four storeys in case of siege. Measuring 26 metres in diameter, the tower’s lower walls are over 6 metres thick. Today it houses a private Museum of the Late Middle Ages where armour and weapons for knights and musketeers, instruments of torture as well as boors’ weapons from 1524 are on display. From the rooftop there is a good view across Goslar and toward the mountains.

Hours: April - October: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., November - March: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Admission: Adults 2.60 €, Concessions 1.30 €.

In the prebendary house from 1514, extensive exhibits covering the history and art history of the town as well as the geology and mineralogy of the region can be viewed. Outstanding objects: the famed Krodo Altar (early 12th century), the Goslar Evangeliar (13th century), a collection of over 1000 coins bearing the Goslar mint stamp, the miners’ tankard from 1477 and the original Market Fountain eagle from the 14th century. Further exhibits cover the life of everyday people over the last 10 centuries. A fascinating trip back in time!

Hours:November to March: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., April to October: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Mondays.

Admission: Adults 4 €, Concessions 2 €.

The Goslar Town Hall is, indeed, a building of the centuries: the east wing with the arcades opening onto the Market Square was begun in the middle of the 15th century and over the following 400 years the Town Hall was continually extended and enlarged. Today its overall impression is determined by the 16th century additions: a period of great prosperity for Goslar, which, as a member of Hanseatic League and a Free Imperial City, profited from the flourishing mining industry. The Town Hall still serves its original purpose, housing the Lord Mayor’s Office and the hall where the Town Council still discuss the business of the town under the beautiful star-studded wooden ceiling.

The Hall of Homage was set up as a council chamber between 1505 and 1520. It is a unique jewel of late Gothic interior decoration: its walls, the ceiling and even the window alcoves are completely covered with wood panel paintings. Each painting is an artwork of quality, contributing to the overwhelming complete ensemble. Richly carved wood decorations surround each painting. After many years of restoration the room is now protected by complex environmental protection devices so that this masterpiece can be preserved for future generations. A new exhibit concept, giving the viewer the experience of being in the actual room has recently been realised. In a somewhat smaller but faithfully reproduced model of the room the viewer is transported by a multimedia presentation into the past. Have a seat on benches just like the councilmen of Goslar 500 years ago and enjoy the presentation!

Hours: Mon - Fri 11 a.m. - 3 p.m, Sat, Sun, holidays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. During the rest of the year the Hall of Homage can be visited during the guided city tour One Thousand Steps through the Old Town (daily 10 a.m.). Tickets at the Goslar Tourist Information.

Admission: Adults 3.50 €, Concessions 2.50 €.

In 1254 the Great Holy Cross was founded as an almshouse for the town’s needy. Here the poor, the ill and orphans, as well as pilgrims and other travellers, could receive food and shelter. Today, unique in Germany, it still serves its original purpose - 750 years after its founding it provides modern accommodations for the elderly in an adjoining wing. The small individual rooms built into the main hall of the 13th century building in the Baroque period are now used as studios and shops for artisans, making the important national monument a lively center of culture. Seven small doorways lead from a medieval hall to little rooms in which local artisans offer goods made of glass, paper, pottery, gold and textiles.

Open daily (except Monday) from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., admission free.