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<h2>The Legendary Peak of Witches</h2><p>The Brocken, at 1,141 meters, is the highest peak in the Harz Mountains and one of Germany's most myth-laden locations. This granite dome is often shrouded in mist, adding to its mystical aura and the legends that have surrounded it for centuries.</p><h3>Witches and Walpurgisnacht</h3><p>According to German folklore, the Brocken is where witches from all over Germany gather on Walpurgisnacht (April 30th) to dance with the devil. This legend was immortalized in Goethe's Faust and has become the defining piece of folklore for the entire Harz region. Today, the mountain hosts one of Germany's wildest festivals on this night, with thousands of costumed revelers celebrating the arrival of spring.</p><h3>The Brocken Railway</h3><p>Reaching the summit is an adventure in itself, most popularly done aboard the historic Harz Narrow Gauge Railway. These vintage steam trains puff their way through the scenic mountain landscape, climbing steadily through dense forests before emerging above the tree line. The journey is especially magical in winter when the landscape is blanketed in snow.</p><h3>Summit Experience</h3><p>At the summit, visitors find a unique environment. The Brocken has its own microclimate, with weather conditions similar to those found in Scandinavia. On clear days, the panoramic views can extend over 200 kilometers, encompassing much of central Germany. The summit features a visitor center, weather station, and the Brockenhaus museum, which explores the mountain's natural and cultural history.</p><h3>Cold War History</h3><p>During the Cold War, the Brocken was in the restricted border zone of East Germany and topped with Soviet listening posts. The mountain was off-limits to civilians from 1961 to 1989, adding another layer to its mysterious reputation. Remnants of this era can still be seen, including the distinctive dome structures that housed surveillance equipment.</p><h3>Natural Wonder</h3><p>The Brocken is part of the Harz National Park and features unique flora and fauna adapted to its harsh climate. The summit area is home to plants typically found much farther north, creating an island of subarctic vegetation in the heart of Germany.</p><h3>The Brocken Spectre</h3><p>The mountain is also famous for the optical phenomenon known as the "Brocken spectre" - when a person's shadow is cast upon clouds opposite the sun, often surrounded by rainbow-like rings. This eerie effect has contributed to the mountain's supernatural reputation.</p>