Located in Municipality of Schladen-Werla, State of Lower Saxony, Germany
#kaiserpfalz #archaeology #middleages #springlandscape #niedersachsen #harzvorland #travelgermany #longwalk #lockdown2021 #springvibes #sunshine #palace
We took this trip just two days ago: late April 2021.
To me the scenery here is reminiscent of spring-vacations spent in the Italian countryside :) The eye-catching stone-walled structure on site, is the reconstruction of the west-gate of the once imperial palace. Atop which, is a viewing platform, offering a gorgeous view over the lush green surroundings and the winding route of the Oker river.
Kaiserpfalz Werla, was built in middle of the 10th century. It was one of the biggest fortifications of north Germany (about 20 hectares), ruled by King Heinrich I. Today the premises of which are open to the public in the form of an archaeological park.
As you walk from the parking place to the west gate, engraved stones on the right side of the road, inform (provided you know and understand German;) ) about the historical events that happened on the authentic site. The dates recede with every advancing step. Viewing platforms and many informative boards (meant to aid the visitor to visually reconstruct the original establishment) line the path.
Location and Getting there
Approachable by car, Kaiserpfalz Werla is located 15 km south of the city of Wolfenbüttel (about 30 km from Braunschweig), in the state of Lower Saxony. The Parking is at: Parkplatz Werlaburg on the L615 Route.
The stunning landscapes composed of mini rolling hills are characteristic to the 'Harzvorland' (the land adjoining the Harz Mountains). That is why, this place reminds me of Italy. To know more about the location and details of Harz Mountains in Germany, please check my previous post Hiking in Harz: Liebesbankweg.
Walking around the premises takes over an hour. Do keep some extra time to read the information, if history and archaeology is of interest to you. The walk is lead by many signs. From interesting details of the middle ages, to the stunning ever-changing views, it is a walk to remember :)
View of the Brocken Mountain
The Brocken, is the highest peak in the Harz Mountains and also the tallest mountain in northern Germany.
All information regarding the current status of the park and the history of the place mentioned in this blogpost was derived from the following website:
For all English-speakers out there, please do your own research if you are interested in the history or archaeology of the place beforehand. As all the information available on the information boards is in German :)
The Werla also used to be a production site for textiles. Mining was also done on this land. If there was not a lockdown, the tourist information office, which is located in a wooden hut would offer you mini travel passports to collect stamps in. If it was summer, the tree tunnel attraction, would be dense and thick (giving an actual tunnel experience).
This place though is open and accessible 24/7 and if you are visiting on a fragrant warm spring day, consider yourself lucky. You might even spot a deer or two like we did :)
Over the last six months of lockdown I have reminded myself often, ''When life gives you lemons, make lemonade''... and what a yummy lemonade this little trip of ours turned out to be! :) :)
Incredible post about Imperial Palace, Germany. I was looking for some interesting places to visit in Europe when I stumbled upon your blog. It helped me finalize Germany for my trip and I will be applying for a Germany Tourist Visa from UK soon.