The City of Goslar—Medieval Artistry

Goslar is a former Kaiserstadt (Kaiser City) located in the most northern part of the Harz Mountains. It is more than a thousand years old. Never destroyed, it is kept up very well these days as a true jewel of medieval architecture.  Goslar’s historic downtown, as well as the Rammelsberg museum mine at the north end of town, are UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

The earliest historical document referring to Goslar goes back to 1024, when it was a king’s Residenz. Kaiser Henry III considered it his favorite residence and the center of his huge kingdom stretching all through central Europe. For many decades, the mighty gathered and conferred with another in Goslar. 

When you are on the market square, you feel like you are standing in the Middle Ages with both feet. The gothic City Hall with its famous Hall of Reverence are tributes to the proud citizens of the city. On the opposite side of the square, you see the gorgeous Kaiserworth, home of the prosperous Cloth Tailors Guild.

A golden eagle—the symbol of the Kaiser—on the fountain in the square tells of Goslar’s leading role in the past, which was also based on mining and a striving middle class. Goslar grew to become a major commercial center, and it became one of the founding members of the Hanseatic League, the famous organization of German-speaking commercial cities throughout northern Europe.

The Restender City Wall, with its large Breites Gate at the entrance of the historic downtown area, is an historic reminder of Goslar’s ability to defend itself. Close by you will find the Zwinger Tower with walls six meters thick—a fortress tower looking just like what a child would draw for a fairytale. 

Our advice: take a guided tour of the city. It is well worth doing.