The Town of Sankt Andreasberg – Unique in the Harz Mountains
Mining Town with a Historical Legacy of Silver Mining
Founded by miners in the 14th century, the mining town of Sankt Andreasberg is truly special. As the highest of the seven mining towns in the Upper Harz, its location on the southeastern slope of the Harz Mountains, shielded to the west by the Acker ridge, combines exceptionally pure, healthful air with a remarkable diversity of plants, animals, and minerals.
Spring Clarity, Summer Freshness, Autumn Reflection, and Winter Joy
Visitors from the plains appreciate that temperatures in Sankt Andreasberg are, on average, 4–5 degrees cooler than in the lowlands. This makes it an ideal summer retreat, while in winter it often boasts snow, avoiding the muddy conditions often found in the valleys. Perhaps it is this uniquely pleasant climate that contributes to the unusually high longevity of the town’s residents!
Sankt Andreasberg – Close to Heaven
“House Silbererz” sits at an elevation of exactly 600 meters above sea level. During inversion weather conditions, it’s not uncommon for the surrounding lowlands to be blanketed in dense fog while Sankt Andreasberg enjoys bright sunshine. The “Sankt Andreasberg Observatory” takes full advantage of this elevated location, offering an unspoiled view of the sun, moon, and stars thanks to minimal light pollution.
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Of course, there are also late autumn days when the mist creates an air of mystery, and the flickering flames in the gas fireplaces of the apartments in House Silbererz provide a welcome sense of coziness.
Sankt Andreasberg is a scenic town nestled in the Harz Mountains in Lower Saxony, Germany. Situated at an elevation of 600–900 meters, it is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes offering a plethora of activities throughout the year.
The town is renowned for its skiing and winter sports. Visitors can enjoy the Matthias-Schmidt-Berg and Sonnenberg ski resorts, as well as others, which cater to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned skiers. There are also facilities for snowboarding and cross-country skiing.
Beyond winter, Sankt Andreasberg shines in summer and autumn with opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring nature. Trails like the famous Harzer Hexenstieg wind through the forests and mountains, while mountain biking enthusiasts will find specialized routes to challenge their skills.
Rich History and Culture
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Sankt Andreasberg played a vital role in mining, especially silver and lead extraction. Remnants of this legacy, including old mines and mining settlements, are still visible and accessible today.
One of the highlights is the Grube Samson, a historical mine just a short walk from House Silbererz.
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Ideal Location Within the National Park
Surrounded by the Harz National Park, Sankt Andreasberg is an ideal base for hiking and mountain biking. The area is home to a vital part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Upper Harz Water Management System.”
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A Hiker’s Paradise in a Charming Landscape
Few places in the Upper Harz offer such an abundance of hiking trails and destinations as Sankt Andreasberg. The town’s strikingly varied topography makes hikes especially appealing, with routes that traverse rolling hills and descend into deeply carved valleys adorned with flowing streams.
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A World-Famous “Hotspot” for Mineral Diversity
Sankt Andreasberg is renowned worldwide for its unparalleled diversity of minerals, uncovered over centuries of silver mining. In addition to silver, lead, and zinc, miners unearthed rarer elements such as antimony, cobalt, arsenic, and even gold.
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Experience the Tradition of Silver Mining Up Close
The name Haus Silbererz and the titles of its two holiday apartments, Morgenrœthe and Bergmannstrost (named after historical silver ore mines), pay homage to the area’s rich mining heritage. Numerous old shafts and tunnels are located nearby, and the historic Grube Samson, which is still open for visitors, is just a few minutes’ walk away.
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The former Erzwäsche (ore washing plant) has been transformed into a popular National Park Center featuring fascinating exhibitions. Conveniently located just below the Haus Silbererz property, it invites visitors to explore the natural and cultural history of the region.
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Witnessing Forest Transformation: From Monoculture to Biodiversity
In the nearby Harz National Park, visitors can observe the remarkable transition from vulnerable, unnatural spruce monocultures to diverse, resilient mixed forests. This ongoing transformation showcases nature’s ability to regenerate and thrive when left to its own devices.
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Abundant Wildlife in the Upper Harz
During the red deer rutting season in early autumn, the majestic “kings of the forest” can often be heard from Haus Silbererz, their deep calls resonating through the area. Deer and foxes are frequent visitors, adding charm to the natural surroundings. Even the elusive lynx is occasionally spotted in the vicinity. Abandoned mining tunnels provide a sanctuary for rare bat species, making this region a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Plant Diversity Emerges from Spruce Plantations
Historically, mining in the Upper Harz demanded vast quantities of timber for stabilizing mine tunnels and producing charcoal for smelting ores. Fast-growing spruce became the favored tree species for these purposes.
Following the decline of mining in the region, forestry policies mandated the creation of highly productive “commercial forests,” with spruce monocultures once again being the preferred choice.
Today, the detrimental effects of these monocultures are evident across Germany, as they are highly vulnerable to climate change and bark beetle infestations. In the Harz National Park, the principle of “letting nature take its course” has been embraced. As a result, the dead spruce forests are giving way to a diverse and resilient plant ecosystem, which is easily noticeable for observant hikers.
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The Prime Location of “Haus Silbererz”
Essential Shopping Within Walking Distance
Haus Silbererz, featuring the ***** holiday apartment “Bergmannstrost” and the **** apartment “Morgenrœthe,” is situated in a peaceful spot in the historic center of the mining town.
All essential amenities are within a few hundred meters, including two bakeries, a pastry shop, a supermarket with a selection of organic products, a beverage store, a pharmacy, a post office, a watch and jewelry shop, a savings bank, a newsstand, a florist and vegetable store with organic options, a high-end decor shop, a hairdresser, and several restaurants.
Leave the Car Behind
Many attractions are also close by, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Grube Samson,” the National Park Visitor Center, the tourist information office, chairlifts, ski facilities, hiking areas, the fascinating “Upper Harz Water Management” system, mountain biking trails, and bus stops with connections to Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Braunlage, and Bad Lauterberg (linking to train services).
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Marked hiking trails leading to popular excursion destinations like the Rehberger Grabenhaus and Rinderstall are located just a short distance away. Additionally, the well-loved Höhenwanderweg (High-altitude Trail) is easily accessible, offering breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences in the heart of nature.
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Haus Silbererz and Its Surroundings at a Glance
Traditional Timber-Framed Construction – Perfectly Ecologically Restored
“Haus Silbererz,” with its unique charm, was built in 1709 as a well-proportioned timber-framed house in the historic town center of Sankt Andreasberg. For centuries, it was home to miners who lived and worked in the area. The house has since been meticulously restored using the best ecological, aesthetic, and technical materials, preserving the character and beauty of a classic Oberharz timber-framed building.
The host family thoroughly renovated and expanded the house between 2017 and 2019, using building materials of the highest ecological, aesthetic, and technical quality. In doing so, they lovingly and meticulously restored the charm and character of a classic Oberharz timber-framed house.
Excellent location in the historic town center
The house is located in the heart of the old town center, offering views of the Harz Mountains and the famous Bell Tower. Today, it offers two wonderful vacation apartments with modern, stylish, and comfortable furnishings, made from the best, health-conscious natural materials. The apartments are named after historical silver ore mines (“Bergmannstrost” and “Morgenrœthe”), located just near the house. Their unique charm and originality are rarely found elsewhere in the Harz region.
Reminiscences of mining tradition
The large-scale photographs on canvas throughout the house all relate to the historical silver ore extraction in Sankt Andreasberg. Some of the photos show views of our mining town from over a hundred years ago. Almost always, you can also spot the present-day “Haus Silbererz” in these images. Feel free to reach out to us—we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about the photographs!
