Major city · Germany
Clausthal-Zellerfeld
Go for 1–2 nights as a Harz base: mining museum, wooden church and 60+ ponds; a car or the 830/831 bus from Goslar is required.
Clausthal-Zellerfeld is a small Upper Harz university town at 535 m, formed in 1924 from Clausthal and Zellerfeld, with about 16,000 residents. It is a base for walking, mountain biking and winter sport rather than a sightseeing city: one full day covers the museums and the culture mile, two nights let you add the water-regale trails and a Goslar or Braunlage day out. Zellerfeld is the tourist half; Clausthal is the university half.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Oct for walking and the Thursday Zellerfeld market; Dec–Mar for snow and the small Buntenbock ski lift
- avoid Nov and early Dec (wet, grey, little open); mid-Jan–Feb only if you accept unreliable snow
- Airports
- HAJ · PAD
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Central Europe ↗Six of the nine countries here — Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia — charge a time-based motorway vignette, mostly digital and linked to the number plate; buy it before the first motorway past the border, because cameras, not toll booths, do the checking.
- Central Europe ↗Temporary police checks at internal Schengen borders are common in this region in 2026 (Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovenia among others — check): keep your passport on you on every cross-border train, bus and road even though there is no fixed control post.
- Germany ↗Germany is in the EU and the Schengen area: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Germany ↗Nazi symbols and gestures are criminal offences, including as jokes or souvenirs.
- Germany ↗Many city centres are low-emission zones: a car needs the right sticker (Umweltplakette) to enter.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Clausthal-Zellerfeld112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Clausthal-Zellerfeld, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Germany-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelekom, Vodafone and O2 are the networks; Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect and congstar resell them cheaply in supermarkets and electronics shops.Germany-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.Germany-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or add 5–10%; say the total you want to pay as you hand over money or card.Germany-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Germany-wide
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime small town; the real risks are winter driving on Harz roads, unmarked trail junctions in fog, and tick bites on summer walks.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsStation toilets cost €0.50–1.50 (≈ US$1–2) (Rail&Fresh WC); restaurant toilets are for customers…Germany-wide
- Emergency numbers112 fire and ambulance · 110 police (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops close on Sundays and public holidays nearly everywhere except stations and airports.Germany-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHAJ Hanover Airport (Closest large airport, about 112 km (70 mi); roughly 1 h 10 min by car).HAJ Hanover Airport (Closest large airport, about 70 mi (112 km); roughly 1 h 10 min by car).
- Getting aroundThe town is spread over two halves about 2 km (1.2 mi) apart; buses run between the Kronplatz (Clausthal) and Thomas-Merten-Platz (Zellerfeld) stops…The town is spread over two halves about 1.2 mi (2 km) apart; buses run between the Kronplatz (Clausthal) and Thomas-Merten-Platz (Zellerfeld) stops…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and cake in a café€4–8 (≈ US$5–10)
- Sit-down mealMain course, mid-range restaurant€10–17 (≈ US$12–20)
- Beer0.5 l in a pub€4–6 (≈ US$5–7)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Budget bedCampsite pitch, two people, a night, per room€15 (≈ US$18)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per room€110 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per room€180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €70 (≈ US$85) · Mid €120 (≈ US$140) · High €190 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HAJ Hanover Airport (Closest large airport, about 112 km (70 mi); roughly 1 h 10 min by car) · PAD Paderborn-Lippstadt (About 203 km (126 mi), roughly 1 h 50 min by car; far fewer connections)HAJ Hanover Airport (Closest large airport, about 70 mi (112 km); roughly 1 h 10 min by car) · PAD Paderborn-Lippstadt (About 126 mi (203 km), roughly 1 h 50 min by car; far fewer connections)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Care
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Feb
Care
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Mar
Best
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Apr
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
Best
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Nov
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Dec
Care*
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Best: Mar, May–Oct. Mixed: Dec–Feb. Avoid: Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jan (−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C) low), wettest Dec (14 rain days), driest Feb (11). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Clausthal-Zellerfeld: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
13 rd
Feb
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
11 rd
Mar
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
12 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
11 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Oct
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Nov
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
13 rd
Dec
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is spread over two halves about 2 km apart; buses run between the Kronplatz (Clausthal) and Thomas-Merten-Platz (Zellerfeld) stops, and the main bus station sits between them by the library. RBB/DB Regio buses link Goslar (routes 830/831 from the station forecourt) and Northeim (440). A car is the practical choice for the water-regale ponds and trailheads; taxis wait at Kronplatz and Bornhardtstraße.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 45–60 min by bus
Bus 830 or 831 from Goslar station forecourt, or drive the B242
Romanesque churches, imperial palace and a full old town; the obvious half-day or full-day add-on.
Braunlage
goDoor to door: About 1 h by car
B4/B242 over the Harz, or bus via the Harz network
Wurmberg cable car and winter sport; pairs well with a Torfhaus walk.
Bad Harzburg
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h by car
Drive via Goslar, or bus with a change in Goslar
Spa town and cable car to the Burgberg; the bus route is slow, so go by car.
Göttingen
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min by car
Drive via the B243/A7, or bus to Northeim then train
University city with a walkable centre; better as a stop on the way in or out.
Door to door: About 1 h by car
Drive via the B243, or bus/train with a change
Collegiate church and small old town; only worth the detour if you have a car.
Einbeck
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min by car
Drive via Osterode and the B3
Half-timbered centre and beer history; a car day, not a bus day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Zellerfeld
Tourist half: museum, St. Salvatoris, Dietzelhaus, market square and most hotels; walk to the culture mile.
Clausthal
University half: Marktkirche, Aula Academica, shops and the Kronplatz bus stop; quieter in the evening.
Buntenbock
About 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Clausthal, roughly 700 residents; ski lift and trailheads, needs a car or bus.About 1.9 mi (3 km) south of Clausthal, roughly 700 residents; ski lift and trailheads, needs a car or bus.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €100–150 (≈ US$120–180) excl. bed
- High
- €170 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 2 nights × €110 | €220 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €120 | €480 |
| Bus Goslar → Clausthal-Zellerfeld, one way2 × €6 | €12 |
| Mining museum entry2 × €9 | €18 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €76 |
| Trip total≈ €209 per person per day, bed included | €836≈ US$1,000 |
2026 estimate in euro; travel to the Harz excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and cake in a café | €4–8 (≈ US$5–10) |
| Pizza or pasta in a pizzeria | from €6 (≈ US$7) |
| Main course, mid-range restaurant | €10–17 (≈ US$12–20) |
| Beer, 0.5 l in a pub | €4–6 (≈ US$5–7) |
| Bus Goslar → Clausthal-Zellerfeld | €5–7 (≈ US$6–9) |
| Ski lift day ticket, Buntenbock | €15 (≈ US$18) adults, €12.50 (≈ US$15) children |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Nearest railway station is in the Goslar district, about 20 km (12 mi) away: plan the bus connection, not a train.Nearest railway station is in the Goslar district, about 12 mi (20 km) away: plan the bus connection, not a train.
- Many sights are outdoor and seasonal: the Ottiliae pit light railway runs Apr–Oct only, and Kaiser-Wilhelm-Schacht opens W and Sa 15:00–17:00.Many sights are outdoor and seasonal: the Ottiliae pit light railway runs Apr–Oct only, and Kaiser-Wilhelm-Schacht opens W and Sa 3:00 PM–5:00 PM.
- Winter roads over the Harz can close or need winter tyres; check conditions before driving the B242/B4.
- Small-town hours: shops shut Saturday afternoon and all Sunday, and several restaurants close one day a week.
Emergency numbers
- Fire and ambulance
- 112
- Police
- 110
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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Clausthal-ZellerfeldClausthal-Zellerfeld
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Zu dieser Adresse, bitteTo this address, please
Emergency
- Fire and ambulance112
- Police110
Embassy
No embassy here; the US consulate-general is in Hamburg and most embassies are in Berlin. For a lost passport, contact your embassy first.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Goslar station → Clausthal-Zellerfeld: about €5–7 (≈ US$6–9), 45–60 min
- Taxi within town: €8–15 (≈ US$10–18)
- Car, Goslar → Clausthal-Zellerfeld: about 20 km (12 mi) on the B242, 30 minabout 12 mi (20 km) on the B242, 30 min
Say or show
- Entschuldigung — Excuse me / Sorry (ent-SHOOL-dee-goong)
- Danke — Thank you (DAN-ke)
- Das hier, bitte — This one, please (das heer, BIT-te)
- Wie viel kostet das? — How much is it? (vee feel KOS-tet das)
- Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? — Can I pay by card? (kan ikh mit KAR-te TSAH-len)
- Wo ist die Toilette? — Where is the toilet? (vo ist dee toy-LET-te)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Clausthal-Zellerfeld. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Oct for walking and the Thursday Zellerfeld market; Dec–Mar for snow and the small Buntenbock ski lift · avoid Nov and early Dec (wet, grey, little open); mid-Jan–Feb only if you accept unreliable snow · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HAJ: field-checked bus/train times to Goslar, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Zellerfeld culture mile, Clausthal university quarter, the ponds and water regale, Buntenbock.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (mining museum, Marktkirche, Ottiliae pit railway, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Schacht) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and hostile-weather fixtures so gates A–D can go green.