The Brocken is the highest summit in Northern Germany, at some 3,747 ft (1,142 m). It’s summit is often shrouded from view by a lingering mist which gave rise to the Brocken’s place in German folklore (see Walpurgisnacht).

The Brocken spectre is a strange phenomenon that occurs when a climber’s shadow is cast upon the mists that often shroud the peak. You can see a picture of the Brocken spectre by clicking here.

The Brocken was a restricted military area between 1961 and 1990 and as such the Brocken remains fairly untouched. Thanks to its unusual range or flora and fauna (over 100 species of plant) and The Brocken is unlikely to resemble anywhere you have ever experienced before. These also create perfect condition for some unusual species such as the Eurasian Lynx, Wildcat and Wood Grouse.

It is claimed that over two million people visit the Brocken each year and certainly there are now over 2000 on some fine days. Many come by the Brockenbahn but others choose walk by the traditional routes. The Telekom Tower marks the summit, the 20th century successor of the first 1930′s TV tower.