Brockenuhr

The Brockenuhr is a compass-shaped installation at the summit of the Brocken with a diameter of 30 meters, featuring 48 bronze plates embedded in the ground surrounding central granite stones. The largest of these stones weigh up to 19 tons and form the center of this navigational structure at Northern Germany's highest peak.

The original cartographic version emerged in 1835 when Brocken innkeeper Eduard Nehse published a lithograph depicting directional indicators on the mountain summit. This early idea later developed into the current installation with bronze plates.

The bronze plates display the names and distances to geographical locations, helping visitors understand their spatial relationship to cities and landmarks across Germany. Many people use the installation to orient themselves in the landscape and discover different viewpoints.

The location sits at the mountain's highest point, so good equipment and appropriate clothing are important as weather can change quickly at the summit. Visitors should allow time to explore all the plates and enjoy the views from different angles.

Each bronze plate is carefully positioned to point in the exact direction of its referenced location, providing genuine navigational aid to visitors. This precise alignment turns the installation into a working tool for spatial understanding.