Brockenuhr, Circular signpost wind rose on the Brocken summit, Wernigerode, Germany

The Brockenuhr is a circular windrose 30 meters across at the summit of the Brocken, with 48 bronze plates set flush into the ground, each 0.5 by 1.5 meters. Six granite stones stand at the center; the largest weighs 19 tons and carries a bronze plate reading "Brocken 1142 m" above a bronze height marker. The plates give names and distances, and their positions show the direction of each target.

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.