The municipality of Nordharz, with its districts of Abbenrode, Danstedt, Heudeber, Langeln, Schmatzfeld, Stapelburg, Veckenstedt and Wasserleben, lies in the midst of charming nature in the north of the Harz Mountains. As a former border region and characterised by cultural tradition and agriculture, the municipality of Nordharz between the ridges of the Harz Mountains, Huy and Fallstein is a varied holiday region.
With its direct location on the Green Belt, a cross-border network of precious habitats along the former inner-German border, various themed routes passing river courses, mountain ranges, lookout points and Harz villages, as well as its proximity to the Harz National Park, the region is equally popular with hikers, cyclists and nature lovers.
Exciting destinations on shorter tours in and around the villages in the municipality include the mill museum and the mill hiking trail in Abbenrode, the agricultural village of Veckenstedt with its farmhouses, orchards and mill ditches, the 256-metre-high Saßberg with 360° panoramic views near Veckenstedt, and the Ilsestrandbad in Wasserleben.
Also worth seeing in the region are the romantically situated castle ruins and the former spa clinic in Stapelburg, the 'Bockwindmühle' windmill in Danstedt, St. Mary's Church in Langeln and St. Andrew's Church in Abbenrode, built in 1575, with a stained-glass window unique in Germany that focuses on the fall of the Berlin Wall. The "Rome Trail", which Abbot Albert von Stade took on pilgrimage from northern Germany to Rome in the 13th century, also leads through the municipality.
Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of fishing opportunities at the pond in Veckenstedt.
The local history rooms in Abbenrode, Langeln, Stapelburg and Veckenstedt provide information on the history and traditions of the villages. In the two border villages of Abbenrode and Stapelburg you will also find interesting exhibitions about the former inner-German border.
