The Harz: a leisure paradise with electromobility on the rise!

The Harz: a leisure paradise with electromobility on the rise!

The Harz, one of the most impressive landscapes in Germany, is about 350 km from Cologne. With an area of ​​around 2,200 km² and an altitude of up to 1,141 m, the region not only offers breathtaking views, but also a multi-faceted history and culture. And exploring this diverse region is made easier by Clausthal-Zellerfeld, an important entry point that particularly impresses with its important technical university. This university has been teaching geosciences for 250 years, which also attracts many international students - around 50% of the 3,000 students come from abroad. This shows how education and nature are harmoniously linked.

A look into the past of the Harz is reminiscent of the once flourishing mining industry, the traces of which are still visible today. In the Upper Harz, shaft depths of up to 1,000 m were reached before the high costs of mining led to a decline. What remains, however, are the distinctive traces that mining left in the region - especially in forestry, which is characterized by spruce monocultures. These monocultures are causing problems today, especially in times of climate change, which has also affected winter sports opportunities in the region.

New perspectives in the Harz

The newly opened Harzturm in Torfhaus, which opened its doors in 2024, not only offers a fantastic view of the Brocken, but is also part of modern holiday resorts that offer visitors a new experience in the region. The impressive Rappbode Dam, with Germany's highest dam at 106 m, also attracts many leisure enthusiasts. Here, adventure seekers can cross a suspension bridge or try a mega zipline. The old towns such as Goslar, Wernigerode, Blankenburg and Osterode are not only a feast for the eyes for architecture fans, but also attract international visitors, including bikers from Belgium, Denmark and Sweden, who explore the picturesque streets of the Harz Mountains.

Electromobility in Germany

While there is a lot to discover in nature, electromobility is also gaining momentum in Germany. Loud ecomento.de The charging infrastructure for electric cars in the country is excellently developed. At the end of 2023, over 1.4 million purely electric cars were registered in Germany, which, together with the 127,484 publicly accessible charging points, ensures that there are 11 electric vehicles for every charging point. In comparison, the 47.3 million cars with combustion engines only have 86,800 gas pumps. Jörg Reimann, CEO of Digital Charging Solutions GmbH, emphasizes that the charging infrastructure in Germany performs excellently in international comparison.

The federal government is actively promoting this change and pursuing ambitious goals. The charging infrastructure II master plan includes 68 measures to ensure nationwide supply. These are intended to trigger accelerated approval processes and private investments, meaning that a further 35,000 charging points will be set up by the end of 2024. As the BMDV reports, a funding volume of 1.9 billion euros will also be made available for the expansion of the fast charging network.

The Volvo EX30 as an example of new technologies

Another highlight for electric car fans is the Volvo EX30, which is equipped with a 65 kWh battery and offers a remarkable WLTP range of 475 km. The Volvo EX30 has a maximum output of 200 kW (272 hp) and reaches a top speed of 180 km/h. It also impresses with its Scandinavian interior design, which relies on high-quality recycled materials. With a trunk volume of 318 liters, it is not only environmentally friendly, but also practical for everyday use.

The Harz Mountains and electromobility – two facets that show how dynamic Germany presents itself. While the natural landscapes of the Harz continue to attract numerous visitors, the expansion of electromobility is providing fresh impetus on Germany's roads. An exciting time in which nature and technology go hand in hand.