Located in Thuringia, Germany – Nordhausen is a city of about 40,500 people, and it was once known for its tobacco industry, but nowadays, it is famous for its distilled spirit, Nordhäuser Doppelkorn
There are many quirky, unique, unusual, historic, and secret spots to discover in Nordhausen.
One of the most popular landmarks in Nordhausen is the Harz Mountains.
When you climb Harz Mountain, you can see a stunning view of the city and the surrounding countryside.
So in this post, we are going to discuss in detail what to do in Nordhausen, from the most popular spots in the city to tours that will help you see it all with ease and at once!
Did we miss any of the best places to visit in Nordhausen Let us know your favorite Suhl Nordhausen in the comment section
Let’s go!
1. Explore the Nordhausen Old Town
You will be doing yourself a huge disservice if you visit Nordhausen without exploring the streets of Nordhausen Old Town.
The old town is one of the oldest, most popular, and most significant places in Nordhausen, and it is made up of medieval structures that were built in the 14th century.
This area of home to some popular attractions in Nordhausen like the Church of St. Blasii, and the Nikolaitor, a medieval gatehouse that once served as the main entrance to the Old Town.
So just free up yourself and stroll around, if you get lost…just ask questions.
2. Visit the Nordhausen IFA Museum
The IFA Museum is another of Nordhausen’s most popular tourist attractions, and it’s for a good reason.
It’s impossible not to include visiting here as one of the things to do in Nordhausen – because each time I visit, I can’t help but pay another visit!
The IFA museum is one of the museums in the eastern part of Germany that is dedicated to preserving the history of technology in Germany.
This museum is located in a hall that was formerly used as an IFA factory, and it is home to a wide collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, tractors, bicycles, and some industrial equipment
At the beginning, you can watch a short documentary, so you learn more about how IFA got started and the type of technologies they have developed so far.
The museum’s entry ticket is just $6.
On the upper floor of this museum, you will find a model of the former company premises and photos of when the company was still active.
Opposite the main building, there is another hall with locomotives and e.g. a gas-powered tractor.
Free onsite parking is available and motorcyclists are allowed to leave their helmets and clothing behind the reception
I was surprised when heard that locks for pits were also made here.
If you’re looking for things to do in Nordhausen, then this place is definitely worth visiting.
The entrance fee is moderate, the exhibition is very well-designed, and anyone who is interested in old tractors has come to the right place
I was surprised when heard that locks for pits were also made here.
3. Watch A Show At the Nordhausen Theater
Another top attraction that is worth checking out in NDH is the Nordhausen Theater.
This concert center is a true showstopper, the Nordhausen Theater is basically a concert palace, rather than a hall.
It’s one of the best places to catch a show in the city, whether it be musical shows, operas, symphony orchestras, and even dramas!
Though the theater is not that big, it’s well-made.
The seats are very well positioned, which means you can have a nice view from almost anywhere.
But the real charmers are the performers, who’re doing a spectacular job. Totally amazing. Cheers to them.
One of the drawbacks is that they hardly host free performances, which means you have to pay for a ticket every time you want to watch a show here.
4. Hike and Explore The Harz Mountain
Speaking of great places to enjoy city views, a climb to the top of Harz Mountain will give you some awesome 360° views of Nordhausen and the surrounding areas.
The Harz mountain is popularly known for its beautiful forests, lakes, and safe hiking trails.
One of the most popular spots in the Harz Mountains is the Brocken, which is the highest peak in the region and gives a wonderful surrounding landscape.
Apart from hiking, there are a lot of things to do in the Harz Mountain.
For example, you can check out the Walkenried monastery ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you would like to explore this attraction, then I suggest you book a Harz Mountain Guided Day Tour.
The tour lasts 8–10 hours, and it covers a tour of the Harz mountains, monastery ruins, former border installations on the Brocken, a Moorland hike, a tour of medieval towns, and much more.
5. Relax at The Bielener Kiesgewässer – Outdoor Swimming Pool
This outdoor pool is a short walk away from the main area of the city and even during the winter months, it’s a lovely place to sit and relax.
One of the things I personally like about the place is that is it hardly crowded.
The water is very clean and well maintained, and you also feel safe under the attentive eyes of the always friendly staff.
The entry ticket is also very cheap, for adults it is €3 and for kids it is €1.50!
There is also a nearby restaurant and a snack bar where you can buy food.
So if you’re looking for a less crowded area where you can relax, then add this place to your list.
Address: An den Kiesteichen 3, 99734 Nordhausen, Germany
6. Visit The KZ Mittelbau-Dora Memorial Museum
Located on the hill of Thuringia, the KZ Mittelbau-Dora Memorial Museum is one of the top tourist destinations in Nordhausen.
The museum is located on the site of the Mittelbau-Dora concentration camp, which was one of the largest and most notorious camps during the peak of Nazi Germany.
80 years ago, this site was used to construct the V1 and V2 rockets, which the Nazis used as a last-ditch attempt to subdue the United Kingdom.
One of the places I suggest you check out is the underground tunnels and the prisoner’s barrack.
The prisoners’ barrack will give you a glimpse of the cramped and unsanitary living conditions that the prisoners were forced to endure.
You can only tour the underground tunnels if you have a guide, so I suggest you pay for one.
However, if you don’t want to go through the process of finding a tour guide, you can use the audio guide.
The audio guide allows visitors to hear the stories of survivors of the camp, as well as the testimony of former guards and other witnesses.
7. Check Out Stunning Art Works At Kunsthaus Meyenburg
Just a few kilometers away from the main areas of Nordhausen, you’ll find Kunsthaus Meyenburg, an art museum dedicated to showcasing the works of late and great artists.
The view from the tower is always beautiful.
The museum also has a fenced and well-maintained park where you can relax or have a picnic.
Here you’ll find more than 100 works of art on display, making it a great place to spend a rainy afternoon in Nordhausen!
8. Visit The Tabakspeicher Museum
For locals, perhaps a visit to Tabakspeicher Museum is one of the best things to do in Nordhausen.
The Museum Tabakspeicher is one of the museums in Thuringia, Germany that is focused on preserving and showcasing the history of tobacco in Nordhausen.
If you were born in the 1900s, some of the materials you will see in this museum might bring up some childhood memories.
If you are interested in history, including prehistoric finds, then you have come to the right place.
Make sure you visit this museum, it is an absolute gem.
Don’t forget to enjoy yourself and be astonished, like you used to be when you were a child.
9. Take a day trip to the nearby city of Erfurt
One of our favorite things to do whenever we visit a city is to go on a day trip to a nearby city.
Day trips usually offer unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else, and if you’re in Nordhausen the three nearby cities I recommend you take a day trip to are Weimar, Suhl, and Erfurt.
My personal favorite is Erfurt.
Erfurt is a charming city that is also the capital of Thuringia is located about an hour South of Nordhausen and is known for its well-preserved medieval building.
This city is home to a number of historic landmarks, like the Erfurt Gothic Cathedral, which was built in the 12th century, the Stasi Museum, and Krämerbrücke, a medieval bridge that is lined with picturesque half-timbered houses.
In addition to its rich history and culture, Erfurt is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with a number of hiking and cycling trails in the surrounding countryside.
10. Try Out Some Local Dishes
If cooking isn’t your thing but eating definitely is, then you should definitely taste some of the best local delicacies in Nordhausen.
One of the local dishes I suggest you try out is the Thüringer Rostbratwurst.
This delicious grilled sausage is made from finely ground pork and beef, seasoned with a blend of spices, and it is usually cooked over an open flame.
Another local cuisine that’s worth checking out is the Harzer Käse, a tasty cheese that is made in the Harz Mountains.
This cheese is popularly known for its strong flavor and pungent aroma, which comes from the unique bacteria that are used in the fermentation process.
This cheese is typically served sliced, often as part of a cheese platter, and is commonly paired with bread, fruit, and wine.
Conclusion
I hope this guide inspires you to visit Nordhausen!
It’s definitely one of the best places cities to visit in Thuringia, Germany.
Enjoy exploring the city streets, feasting on tapas, and some of the best panoramic views in all of Thuringia!
Hopefully, this article gave you a ton of ideas on the best things to do in Nordhausen! Happy adventuring.