The Harz has an interesting industrial, touristic and political history.

The rocks in the Harz are rich in precious metals. This led to the early development of mines. To power the mining industry a system of canals and ponds was built between the 17th and 19th century. The water from this 'Wasserregal' was used to operate the lifts in mining shafts. The canals are now on the UNESCO world heritage list.

Tourism also developed early in the region, with Goethe and Heinrich Heine among the early visitors. Nowadays the spectacular nature, remains of the mining industry and the network of steam operated railways attract many visitors.

After the Second World War the border between Eastern and Western Germany was drawn right across the Harz, from north to south. The border lay just west of the Brocken summit. As a result the area on the eastern side of the border was inaccessible for many years. A side effect of this situation was the unlimited development of flora and fauna in the border area.