Thale isn't that small, standard mountain town laying somewhere in the middle of Germany. Thale is that small and mystical mountain town offering a whole new world full of fairy tales and witches, legends and myths, walks and rides, fun and goosebumps! It's the second place where to go after Disneyland and the first place if you prefer stunning mountain views and witches. Are you ready to jump into this magical word? Then keep reading and start planning your next trip!

About Thale

Thale is a small, not often heard but worth knowing town in Germany, located on the north-eastern edge of the Harz Mountains. The town is situated on the river Bode and can look back on over a thousand years of history. The story of town Thale began somewhere around the 10th century and already from the beginning was associated with mystical stories and stunning mountain and cliff views.

Various sources say that poets like Goethe, Heine, and Fontane were inspired in their works by the beauty and atmosphere of Thales surrounding forests and mountain meadows. Johann Wolfgang von Goethes masterpiece "Faust" was clearly shaped by his experiences in the Harz Mountains and many scenes were relocated to these mountains. But, Brothers Grimm, at the beginning of the 19th century were collecting fairy tales and sagas in this area. Overall they collected several hundreds of sagas, of which dozens came from the Harz, such as Princess Ilse and Rapunzel.

How to get there

As I already mentioned, Thale is a very important part of the Harz Mountain district, located in Saxony Anhalt between the cities Leipzig, Hanover, and Magdeburg. As Thale doesn't play a big role in Germany's infrastructure and doesn't have a nearby large city, getting there with public transportation can take a lot more time than expected. It is also very likely that on the way you will have several train/bus connections.

My preference and recommendation for this trip are to go by car. It is the fastest and easiest way, no matter from which place are you beginning your trip.

The best time to visit Thale

Let's begin with the fact that I have visited Thale 2 times – in July 2020 and in October 2021. As Thale is located in mountains and is surrounded by stunning views, I think it's very important to visit it in good and warm weather.

I would really recommend visiting Thale between April and November when the weather isn't too cold and nature is still awake. Here are a lot of things to do sightseeing and nature play a big role.

Regardless I really loved to visit Thale in summer, autumn I liked more. I like to see how colorful nature can be and, if you see it while looking at mountains, it's very impressive! As there are deciduous forests all around, the contrast between green – yellow – red is amazing!

7 things to see and do in Thale

On a journey through Thale, guests will meet many famous mythical figures. In many places and also on hiking trails, there are fountains, sculptures, and relaxation banks depicting witches, emperors, and fairy tale characters. I believe it's almost impossible to describe everything! It's a place to explore, explore and explore! But what I love about Thale the most is that Thale is exceptional children and a dog-friendly place!

1. Friedenspark

With Friedenspark both times I started my day in Thale. I like to park my car somewhere around this small but cute park and have a nice walk through it. At every step, you can find wooden benches with different carved animal figures, but from every corner, see the majestic St. Petri Church. It has very beautiful architecture and gives such a special atmosphere to this place.

2. Spassinsel (Funpark)

Spassinsel or Funpark is a small amusement park for children, or in different words - heaven for children! You will find there different carousels, nautic jets, bumper boats, trampolines, and much more. But nearby you can find a large outside dining area, where you can do a picnic or buy something in the cafe and enjoy time together with your family.

3. Cable Car Gondola

Just behind the Funpark, you will find the cable car – my most favorite attraction! The cable car takes you to the upper Thale part, called Hexentanzplatz (Witches' Dance Floor). The ride in the cable car is breathtaking, stunning, and panoramic. You can see the lower part of Thale, the river Bode, and the jagged rock formations. If you are lucky and brave enough, you can even get into a sky gondola (the light-green one) with a glass floor! What an unforgettable view and emotions! A cable car drive is a must!

Good news - you can also take a dog with you inside (it's free of charge) and sit alone or with 2 –3 more people. One drive back and forth (all-around ticket) cost only 8€ and was totally worth it! More about prices here.

4. Hexentanzplatz (Witches' Dance Floor)

Hexentanzplatz is a place in the Harz Mountains that lies high above the town and river. You can get there by cable car gondola, by car, or hiking. Hexentanzplatz is known as a place where pagan celebrations and festivals in honor of the forest and mountain goddesses were held. Many legends about witches and magical rituals are surrounding this place, so with time, Hexentanzplatz became more and more interesting for tourists. Now you can find there not only many witch and devil-themed statues but also stay in a mountain hotel.

5. Hexenhouse (Witches House)

Hexenhouse is one of the most visited and famous places in Thale. You can find it also on the Hexentanzplatz, but as I find it extra interesting for children, I wanted to highlight it. Hexenhouse is an upside-down witch's house with many hidden surprises. You can go through the whole house and make many witchy photos in the garden only for 5€ for adults and 2,50€ for children. More you can read here.

6. Aussichtspunkt Hexentanzplatz (Viewing Point)

All around the Hexentanzplatz, you can find various viewpoints to enjoy Harz Mountains fully. Nevertheless, my favorite place is behind the Berghotel. It is located on the edge of the cliff and behind it, I find one of the best sightseeing places.

Be careful here! To get to the cliff, you need to climb over smaller and larger rocks that often are slippery. It is pretty dangerous and I would not recommend letting your children walk here alone. Nevertheless, for Bravehearts like me, you can catch there not only unforgettable memories but also stunning photos!

7. Tierpark (Zoo Thale)

Thale Tierpark is a small animal park, which you can enter for only 7€. There are about 60 well-known and rare animal species such as wild boars, otters, badgers, martens, lynxes, wolves, and foxes.

I find it really fascinating, to have an animal park somewhere in-between mountains, but even more fantastic I find that this park is dog friendly. On a short leash also your furry friend is welcome in Thale Tierpark!

Nevertheless, you can always plan your trip differently and choose other sightseeing objects. Even though Thale is a small town, it is very rich in various entertainment opportunities. And besides everything I prefer and have done till now, there are more attractions, hiking tracks, and scenic viewing points to discover. Hier is a few of them: Obscurum Witch and Black Magick Museum, Hexengolf, Rosstrappe Chair-Lift, Mountain Theater, DDR Museum, Teufelsmauer.

Important tips & tricks in short:

- Visit Thale by car and good navigation system. It's the easiest and fastest way.
- Plan your visit between April and November, when nature is at its best.
- You can park your car both up and down the hill, but I like to park it down because of the free-of-charge parking. Last time I parked my car on Stecklenberger Allee, where I was very satisfied with the proximity location.
- Prepare to spend in the town one full day. There are a lot of things to see and explore.
- Thale is a very dog-friendly town. Nevertheless, please keep your dog on the leash and clean up after your dog.
- Climbing the rocks behind the fences is at your own risk! Remember, it's dangerous, so take care of your loved ones, and don't take too risky photos!
- The government of Thale always tries to surprise locals and guests with many interesting events. Feel free to follow the news to find something for you, cause I already know that on my bucket list is the magical Walpurgis Night.
- If you like mountain views and fairy tales, then stay in the Harz for more than one day. There are a few more interesting towns near Thale, such as Quedlinburg, Wernigerode, and Goslar. More your can find here.

BUT THAT’S ALL FROM ME TODAY!
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