Things To Do
in Quedlinburg
Quedlinburg is a well-preserved medieval town in Saxony-Anhalt, northern Germany, famed for its dense collection of timber-framed houses and a hilltop castle with St. Servatius collegiate church. The town's cobbled alleys, narrow streets and a compact, UNESCO-listed Old Town create an immediate sense of stepping back in time. Quedlinburg is also a convenient gateway to the Harz Mountains, making it a good base for culture-focused days and nature excursions.
Throughout the year it attracts history lovers, photographers and visitors looking for a quieter, picturesque German small-town experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Quedlinburg and check into your cozy accommodation. Spend your morning wandering through the cobbled streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, taking in the stunning half-timbered houses. Don’t forget to visit the Market Square, where the vibrant local atmosphere will welcome you.
After lunch at a local café, visit the Quedlinburg Castle, where you can explore the historic architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the town. The castle's museum displays a range of artifacts that tell the story of the region's rich past. Spend the rest of the afternoon visiting the St. Servatius Church, known for its impressive Romanesque-style architecture.
As night falls, enjoy a traditional German meal at a local restaurant, trying specialities such as Harzer cheese and bratwurst. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets, basking in the charming atmosphere of the town. Conclude your first day with a nightcap at a local pub, soaking in the nightlife.
Start your day with a visit to the local market, filled with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies. Engage with the friendly vendors and taste some local cheeses and breads. This experience will give you a glimpse into the daily life of the townspeople.
Post-lunch, head to the nearby Wernigerode, a picturesque town only a short train ride away. Explore the Wernigerode Castle, perched atop a hill, and enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding Harz Mountains. Wander through the charming streets lined with colorful houses and unique shops.
Return to Quedlinburg and enjoy a relaxing evening at a local wine tavern. Sample some regional wines while sitting under the stars, experiencing the quaint charm of the town at night. Reflect on your day's adventures and make plans for tomorrow.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Local beer (0.5 L) | $4-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-150 |
| 🚌Local bus or short regional train ticket | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Exceptionally well-preserved medieval architecture and UNESCO-listed Old Town
- Compact, highly walkable center ideal for photography and relaxed exploration
- Close access to Harz Mountains for hiking and nature day trips
- Authentic small-town atmosphere with seasonal markets and cultural events
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options compared with larger German cities
- Some attractions and services have reduced hours outside the main tourist season
- Public transport connections are regional — reaching Quedlinburg often requires transfers
- Cobblestones and steep streets can be challenging for travelers with mobility issues
- "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
- "Vielen Dank" - Thank you very much
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Die Rechnung, bitte" - The bill, please
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist der Marktplatz?" - Where is the market square?
Places to Visit in Quedlinburg
Visit one of these nice places.
The heart of the Old Town with the Rathaus and surrounding half-timbered houses; excellent for wide-angle shots and street scenes.
Castle hill, collegiate church and tower provide panoramic views over the red-tiled roofs and opportunities for silhouette shots at sunrise/sunset.
Narrow streets lined with densely packed timber-framed houses — ideal for detail shots of façades, doors and carved beams.
Picturesque riverside views, reflections of buildings and quieter scenes away from the main square.
Elevated spots around town and on nearby hills for landscape panoramas that combine town rooftops with forested Harz slopes.
Colorful stalls, lights and traditional decorations create a warm, festive atmosphere for night photography.
Food in Quedlinburg
Quedlinburg Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A pungent, low-fat sour milk cheese typical of the Harz region — eaten with bread, onions and caraway, often found in local delis and markets.
Must-Try!
Sweet Saxon potato-and-quark pancakes dusted with sugar and served with jam or apple sauce; popular in cafés and bakeries.
Local butcheries and restaurants serve bratwurst, roasted pork and game preparations in robust, seasonal sauces — often accompanied by potatoes or dumplings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held near the town hall; stalls sell local cheese, bread, sausages, honey and seasonal produce — great for sampling regional specialties and buying picnic supplies.
A festive Advent market (late Nov–Dec) offering mulled wine (Glühwein), roasted chestnuts, gingerbread and seasonal craft foods — highly atmospheric and ideal for street-food tasting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use a firm handshake and formal titles (Herr/Frau) with last names when meeting in a business or formal context; in casual situations, 'Guten Tag' and 'Hallo' are common.
Observe quiet hours in residential areas, especially after 10 pm and on Sundays — public noise and lawn mowing are culturally frowned upon on Sundays in many parts of Germany.
Punctuality is valued — arrive on time for tours, appointments and meetups.
Follow local recycling rules (separate bins for paper, packaging, organic waste and residual waste) and respect historic properties and private courtyards.
Safety
Tipping in Quedlinburg
Ensure a smooth experience
Rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is customary for good service in restaurants; in cafés and bars, round up or add a euro or two. Tipping taxi drivers a small amount or rounding to the next euro is normal.
Cash (Euros) is widely used in Quedlinburg; many small businesses prefer cash. Debit cards (EC Girocard) and contactless payments are increasingly accepted, but always carry some cash for markets, small cafés and local shops.
ATMs are available in town; currency exchange services are limited, so change large sums at major airports or larger cities. Credit cards may be accepted at hotels and larger restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming trees and fewer tourists than summer; good time for photography and hiking as trails reopen. Expect some rainy days and changeable weather.
Warmest, busiest season with long daylight hours — ideal for extended day trips into the Harz; outdoor cafés and beer gardens are lively. Some attractions may have extended opening hours.
Beautiful fall colors in the Harz and around the town, cooler temperatures and crisp air — excellent for hiking and photography. Early November can be quiet as the high season ends.
Cold and often snowy in the Harz foothills; the Old Town looks picturesque under snow and the Christmas market (Advent) is a highlight. Cobblestones can be icy — dress warmly and wear grippy shoes.
Quedlinburg at Night
Hiking in Quedlinburg
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Dramatic valley and gorge scenery near Thale with walking trails, rock formations and riverside views — great for day hikes and photography.
A series of striking sandstone rock formations north of the Harz offering varied trails, viewpoints and geological interest.
Long-distance and day-hike options leading to the Brocken (the highest Harz peak) and along sections of the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg trail, with forestry paths and panoramic views.
A network of valleys and forest trails in the Harz offering quieter, scenic hikes and opportunities to spot local flora and fauna.
Airports
How to reach Quedlinburg by plane.
Major international airport about 1.5–2 hours drive from Quedlinburg; good rail and road links to the region.
Another international hub roughly 1.5–2.5 hours away by car or train connections — convenient for arrivals from many international destinations.
Larger international airport about 2–3 hours by car/train; a viable option with frequent national and international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly ethnic Germans with a mix of older long-term residents and families; the town has a quieter, small-town demographic profile.
Visitors from Germany and abroad who come for history, architecture and access to the Harz; numbers peak in summer and during the Christmas season.
People from nearby towns visiting for services, shopping or cultural events; regional day-trippers are common on weekends.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Like much of Germany, football is widely followed; local amateur clubs and youth leagues are active in the area.
Hiking and trail running are popular due to proximity to the Harz Mountains, with many marked routes and nature trails.
Road and recreational cycling are common on valley and country routes; e-biking has grown in popularity for tackling hillier terrain.
In the nearby Harz, cross-country skiing, sledding and small alpine skiing areas are seasonal attractions during snowy months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Quedlinburg.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in big cities — look for cheese-based dishes, potato specialties and salads; cafés and larger restaurants will usually offer meat-free mains if asked.
Vegan choices require planning: bring snacks or check menus in advance. Larger towns nearby (Halberstadt, Magdeburg) have more vegan-friendly restaurants; many cafés can adapt dishes if you explain your needs.
Gluten-free bread and pasta are less common in small-town menus — ask staff about ingredients, and use bakeries and supermarkets in town which often stock gluten-free options.