Thale, Mountain municipality in Harz District, Germany
Thale is a municipality in Harz District, Germany, extending along the northeastern edge of the Harz mountains. The Bode Gorge cuts through the area and connects flat sections with wooded slopes and rocky landscapes.
The founding of Wendhusen Abbey in 936 marks the documented beginning of the settlement. Over the course of the 19th century, the town developed into a center of iron processing and industrial production.
The name likely comes from an old term for a valley basin, describing its sheltered position at the mountain edge. Hikers and visitors use the town as a starting point for tours into the surrounding rock formations and forested heights.
The train station offers connections to larger cities in the regional network and is located close to the center with shops and services. Hikes to the rock formations usually start at the edge of town and require some steep climbs.
The rock formations above the gorge carry names from Germanic legends that became popular during the 19th century. Visitors find information panels along the trails explaining these mythological references.
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