Geopark Harz.Braunschweiger Land Ostfalen

Geological diversity from paleozoic rocks to the ice age

The Harz Mountains are composed of paleozoic sediments and magmatic rocks. They have been extensively documented over the past 1,000 years in historical accounts of mining and research in the area, for example, the documentation of the world cultural heritage site Rammelsberg near Goslar. The Braunschweiger-Land / Ostfalen area offers for its part fossil-rich sediments of the Mesozoic and Neozoic eras. A unique landscape with numerous deposits (iron ore, brown coal, salt, oil) came about here as a result of the elevation of salt structures. The cultural history of the region with its renowned monuments, including the world cultural heritage city of Quedlinburg and the emperor’s cathedral in Koenigslutter, is closely linked to the geological characteristics of the landscape. In addition, the region offers important prehistorical finds, like the Neandertaler camps of Salzgitter and the “Unicorn Cave” near Herzberg as well as the “Schoeningen Spears”. Conservation, education and experiencing the landscape.

Our common objectives are:
the protection of geological heritage
a long term regional development by the promotion of tourism and
a modern environmental pedagogical program

On numerous “geo-trails” and nature paths and at “geopoints” visitors can experience the attractions of our geopark either independently or under the guidance of trained personnel. For this purpose, information booklets and leaflets are available, for example the "Landmarks", which give an overview of the geology of the Harz region. In co-operation with museums and schools, special educational activities are continuously being developed.

Contact
Geopark Harz . Braunschweiger Land Ostfalen,
An der Stadtkirche 1-2,
38154 Königslutter,
GERMANY
Website: http://www.geopark-harz.de
Email:Klaus George rvh@harzregion.de
Henning Zelmer h.zellmer@geopark-braunschweiger-land.de