The old episcopal town of Halberstadt, founded by Charlemagne in 804, is the center of the northern Harz foothills. Striking church buildings shape the image of Halberstadt, above all the cathedral, one of the most beautiful German church buildings of the Gothic period. But Quedlinburg with its old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the important Schlossberg ensemble is always worth a visit. Well-maintained cycling and hiking trails lure you to the legendary Teufelsmauer and to the beautiful surroundings of Blankenburg, which with its climatically favorable location on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains is an ideal starting point for exploring the Harz foothills on foot or by bike.