Harz Mountains

Most northerly mountain range in Germany, situated between the rivers Weser and Elbe and covering a total area of around 2,030 sq km/784 sq mi. The highest peak in the Harz Mountains – a popular area for recreation and designated a nature park – is the Brocken (1,143 m/3,750 ft).

At their greatest extent, the Harz Mountains stretch for some 92 km/57 mi from southeast to northwest and about 32 km/20 mi from north to south. The range consists of an elevated plateau rising steeply on all sides, especially the north, and is divided into the Upper and Lower Harz, with a general elevation of 600–900 m/2,000–3,000 ft. The heavily wooded slopes support a large timber industry; in addition, the region is rich in metals and minerals, such as uranium, silver, lead, copper, sulphur, arsenic, marble, granite, and gypsum.