Villas in Altenau
Altenau is an old Harz mining town at about 460 m, with winter sports and walks at the edge of Harz National Park. Public transport from Hannover needs a train to Goslar and then a bus or taxi, and driving is quicker.
- Villas
- 12
- From, per week
- £280
About Altenau
Altenau is one of the seven historical mining towns, the Bergstädte, of the Upper Harz, in the middle of the Harz between Clausthal-Zellerfeld and the Brocken. It sits at around 460 m and has been recognised as a climatic health resort since 1972. The herb park, opened in 2004, is described as the largest in Germany, and an 800 m wilderness trail on the edge of town shows the national park's habitats. The road runs on toward the Oker reservoir. The homes sit close together in and around the town, mostly small and sleeping about four, and most have a garden; a few sleep large parties. In winter there are alpine and cross-country options and a toboggan run with a lift.
Is Altenau right for you?
- Best for
- Walkers and winter-sports families in the Upper Harz
- Not for you if
- You want a ski resort with high, snow-sure slopes, since Altenau sits at about 460 m.
Near Altenau
Torfhaus
Belongs to Altenau, about 10 km away, inside Harz National Park, and has winter sports like Altenau.
Goslar
About 15 km north of Altenau, and where the train from Hannover ends before the bus or taxi up to the town.
Okertalsperre
The Oker reservoir lies along the road out of Altenau, and hiking routes lead to the Kellwassertal near its pre-dam.
Getting to Altenau
Hannover is about 100 km away, roughly an hour and a quarter by road. Without a car, take a train from Hannover to Goslar, then bus 861 to Altenau Markt or a taxi; by bus the whole trip is close to three hours.
Villas in Altenau
5-star property
5-star property
4-star property
5-star property
3-Bedroom Home, Altenau
Altenau, Harz, Germany
6
3
0
BBQParkingDishwasher+8 more
from£113
per night
4-star property
4-star property
Glockenberg Westphal
Altenau, Harz, Germany
4
2
0
ParkingDishwasherInternet+5 more
from£40
per night
4-star property
4-star property
1-Bedroom Home, Altenau
Altenau, Harz, Germany
2
1
0
ParkingDishwasherFireplace+8 more
from£59
per night
4-star property
4-star property
Altenau villa holidays: questions answered
Is Altenau good for winter sports?
In a modest way. Altenau and Torfhaus both offer alpine and cross-country skiing, there is a toboggan run with a lift, and cross-country trails follow the former Innerstetalbahn route. Check snow before you travel.
How far is Altenau from Goslar?
About 15 km, with Goslar to the north. Goslar is also where the train from Hannover ends: bus 861 from Goslar ZOB to Altenau Markt, or a taxi, covers the last stretch.
Is there anything for a rainy day in Altenau?
The Kräuterpark opened in 2004 and is described as the largest herb park in Germany. The town also has a swimming hall, and a short 800 m wilderness trail on the edge of town shows the national park's habitats.
Where is Torfhaus in relation to Altenau?
Torfhaus belongs to Altenau and lies about 10 km away, inside Harz National Park. Together the two places provide the area's alpine and cross-country winter sports.
Nearby towns to Altenau
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed October 2026.
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