Germany > Saxony-Anhalt > Joseph Cross (Josephkreuz) in the Harz Mountains

Joseph Cross (Josephkreuz) in the Harz Mountains

Our rating: 7.00

2025-03-22

A popular viewpoint and resting place for hikers. The cross is located on the 580-meter-high mountain Große Auerberg, near the half-timbered town of Stolberg (Harz). It is the highest point in this part of the Harz.

Joseph Cross (Josephkreuz) in the Harz Mountains ©Yuriy Buriak

The Counts of Stolberg first built a half-timbered tower here in the 17th century. This guaranteed a good view of the surrounding military and trade routes. In 1768, the dilapidated tower was demolished for safety reasons. In 1834, Count Joseph zu Stolberg-Stolberg commissioned the Prussian master builder and architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel to design the building. A total of 365 oak trees were felled in the surrounding forests for the construction of the 26 m high Gothic double cross. The half-timbered tower, named after its creator, was unveiled on the count's birthday. Joseph's Cross soon became a popular tourist destination throughout the region. However, the tower was not immune to the hardships of the weather. The need for restoration arose as early as 1851, and on the night of June 11-12, 1880, lightning finally burned the wooden structure to the ground.

In 1886, the tourist Hartz Club was founded, which in 1896 approved the construction of a new tower, which cost 50,000 marks (approximately 0.5 million euros for 2025). Schinkel's designs were used to create a sturdy iron structure similar to the Eiffel Tower in Paris and weighing 246 tons.

In 2004, a major restoration was carried out. A small playground has been set up for the youngest guests.

Joseph Cross (Josephkreuz) in the Harz Mountains ©Yuriy Buriak

There is a small restaurant where you can enjoy delicious grilled sausages. The cross itself can be climbed (for a fee).

Joseph Cross (Josephkreuz) in the Harz Mountains ©Yuriy Buriak

Getting there: parking lot 51.587972, 11.012306, then on foot. 1200 meters through the forest, or 1600 meters along the road, which is mostly asphalted, so you can walk with a stroller.