Baumwipfel Cabins
WHAT?
The Harz is one of Germany’s most unspoilt regions and is home to northern Germany’s highest mountain, the Brocken. What that means is that the nature here is simply stunning - think turquoise lakes, spruce tree forests and snow-capped peaks.
Kerstin and Thomas have spent a large portion of life in the area, and their passion for the area shines through when you meet them (they’re proud partners of the Harz National Park, too!). But it was only during a holiday to Sardina that the idea for them to create their own getaway in the Harz, one that celebrated the region’s nature, came to them! After months of research, lots of conversations and the discovery of the perfect plot of land, they concluded they needed to build striking wooden cabins, cabins that sat at the height of tree canopy so that their guests could fall asleep and see stars on the horizon.
The five tree-top spaces, built from larch wood, are bright and open, with huge windows that frame the nature outside. Watch squirrels jump between branches, or stags weave between tree trunks at dawn. Head outside yourself, and you find yourself immediately on numerous hiking trails that lead deep into the national park. A stay here is guaranteed to restore your body and your mind.
WHY?
I fell in love because...
- Kerstin and Thomas love the region so much; when I asked for 3-4 of their favourite things to do, they shared a list of 25+ highlights!
- The architecture of the spaces is a striking balance of bright, modern interiors mixed natural materials
You must...
- Hike along the Wernigerode Fairytale Trail to the Armeleuteberg Inn for lunch (there are also dozens of amazing hikes in the region)
- If the weather isn’t so outdoorsy, head to the Harzkristall glass factory in Derenburg, where there is also the opportunity to blow glass yourself
You might dislike...
- The tree-top cabins aren’t completely isolated from each other, and you can see the different spaces from your own tree-top cabins, but you have plenty of private space and can’t see inside other tree-top cabins
- Leaving is hard!
WHO?
Introducing Kerstin and Thomas!
“We are both nature lovers. We’re from the Harz Mountains, near the national park of the same name, and have always spent a lot of time in nature - regardless of the weather - playing, exploring and building huts.”
They love…
“The idea of building tree-top cabins was born during a trekking tour in Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia. On our return, we worked intensively on the concept - studying books, making sketches, researching existing tree houses - eventually we found the perfect location and an expert architect. We’re so in awe of the houses that stand at the height of the tree tops and are so grateful to all the guests who want to come and experience them for themselves.”
Kerstin and Thomas’ insider tips
- Settling in for a cosy barbecue evening at the central campfire, after you’ve eaten, make some Stockbrot over the flames and watch out for stars
- Take a hike around, and then cool off in, one of the many lakes. Some of our favourites include the forest pool in Darlingerode, the Birnbaumteich pond near Neudorf, and the Bremen pond near Gernrode
- Go on a hike! Many start from our doorstep and we are happy to make recommendations. For instance, hike to the Froschfelsen, then on to the Westerklippe where you have a great view of the Brocken
- Visit the half-timbered town of Wernigerode with its historic town hall and castle
Baumwipfel Cabins
“We had a wonderful time. The houses are in a quiet location and are excellently equipped. In the morning you can watch squirrels straight from bed. Directly behind the resort you have access to various hiking trails as a starting point for various tours.”
THE
ESSENTIALS
- Need to know: Three of the tree-top cabins have an infrared sauna, and sauna towels are provided. A final cleaning fee is added on top of the rental rate.
- Sleeping arrangements: There are five tree-top cabins; they have two double beds, and a sofa bed for one. Two of the tree-top cabins have an additional sleeping loft where there is a raised bed for one additional person.
- Bathroom set-up: Each space has its own shower-only bathroom. Bed linen, bath towels and soap are provided.
- Food: Each space has a fully-equipped kitchen, and basic ingredients (salt, pepper, oil, tea and coffee) are provided. There is also a communal BBQ area, and there are supermarkets and restaurants a short walk away.
- For families: Families are more than welcome, and there is a lot of equipment families can use. For instance, there are high chairs and cribs, and a playground with a sandpit and trampoline. Each tree-top cabin has its own swing and there are colouring books with crayons as well
- On-site equipment: You don’t need to bring much with you, as Kerstin and Thomas have really kitted out the spaces! There are numerous books, board games, crayons, colouring books, and yoga mats. If you want a tablet, there is one available to borrow.
- Help: Help is available via a call or text should you need it at any time.
- Remember to pack: Hiking boots to explore the area, and swimwear for the lakes! Bring binoculars too, to spot the animals and birds who live around the tree-top cabins.
- Pets: Pets - assistance dogs as well as well-behaved dogs and cats - are welcome in the Westerklippen loft only for an extra fee. The other tree houses are pet-free.
- Sustainability: Numerous efforts have been made to ensure the property is as sustainable as possible, from using a local heating network, energy-saving lighting and eco laundry practices, to the use of natural building materials, charging stations and a herb garden.
WHERE?
The tree-top cabins are located at the edge of the Harz National Park.
You can easily drive, and there’s on-site parking. It takes 3 hours from Berlin, 4 hours from Frankfurt, and 5.5 hours from Munich.
It’s easy to get here by public transport. Coming from Berlin, take the train to Braunschweig, from where you’ll need to get two regional trains. From the south, you can travel over Göttingen. If you are travelling by public transport, Kerstin and Gerit are happy to pick you up from the station in Ilsenburg / Harz and take you back to the station.
