Harz (district)

Harz (district). The Harz is a district in the western part of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, named after the Harz mountain range, the highest of which is the legendary Brocken. Its administrative seat is the historic episcopal city of Halberstadt, with other major population centers including Wernigerode, Quedlinburg, and Blankenburg (Harz). The district was formed in 2007 through the merger of the former districts of Halberstadt, Wernigerode, and Quedlinburg, along with the city of Blankenburg (Harz) from the former Bördekreis.

Geography

The district encompasses the eastern and northern slopes of the Harz mountains, transitioning into the northern Harz Foreland and the Magdeburg Börde. Key geographical features include the Brocken, part of the Harz National Park, and reservoirs like the Rappbode Dam. The region is drained by several rivers, including the Bode, Holtemme, and Selke, which flow northward. It borders the districts of Mansfeld-Südharz to the southeast, Salzlandkreis to the east, and the Börde district to the northeast, as well as the state of Lower Saxony to the west and northwest.

History

The area has a rich history, being part of the medieval Duchy of Saxony and later the Prince-Bishopric of Halberstadt. For centuries, it was characterized by small states like the County of Wernigerode and the imperial city of Quedlinburg. Following the Congress of Vienna, most of the territory became part of the Province of Saxony within the Kingdom of Prussia. After World War II, it was part of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), within the districts of Magdeburg and Halle (Saale). The modern district was created during the 2007 Saxony-Anhalt district reform, merging several historical regions.

Administration

The district administration is headquartered in Halberstadt. The district is governed by the Kreistag (district council) and the Landrat (district administrator). It is subdivided into eight Verwaltungsgemeinschaft (collective municipalities) and several independent towns. Key administrative bodies and courts are located in Halberstadt, Wernigerode, and Quedlinburg. The district is part of the Altmark-Salzwedel-Stendal-Harz planning region.

Economy

The economy is diverse, with traditional strengths in mechanical engineering, food processing, and tourism. Major industrial employers include plants of Volkswagen in Blankenburg (Harz) and chemical industry suppliers. The Harz mountains are a major tourist destination, with attractions like the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways and the Rübeland Caves. Agriculture remains important in the northern foreland, while forestry is significant in the mountainous areas. The region also hosts research institutions linked to the University of Applied Sciences Harz.

Culture and sights

The district is renowned for its well-preserved medieval towns, with Quedlinburg's old town and collegiate church being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other significant cultural landmarks include Halberstadt Cathedral, Wernigerode Castle, and the Blankenburg castles. The region is steeped in folklore associated with the Brocken and tales recorded by the Brothers Grimm. Annual events include the Quedlinburg Music Festival and the Walpurgis Night celebrations on the Brocken.

Towns and municipalities

The district comprises nine towns and numerous smaller municipalities. The major towns are Halberstadt (the administrative seat), Wernigerode, Quedlinburg, Blankenburg (Harz), Ilsenburg, Osterwieck, Schwanebeck, Harsleben, and Wegeleben. Other notable municipalities include Thale, a gateway to the Bode Gorge, and Ballenstedt, known for its palace. The collective municipalities, such as Brocken-Hochharz and Vorharz, group together smaller villages for administrative efficiency. Category:Harz (district) Category:Districts of Saxony-Anhalt