The first ascent of the Brocken was documented in 1572 by the physician and botanist, Johannes Thal from Stolberg, who in his book "Sylva Hercynia" described the flora of the mountain area. In 1736 Count Christian Ernst of Stolberg-Wernigerode had the "Wolkenhäuschen" ("Clouds Cabin") erected at the summit, a small refuge that is still preserved. He also had a mountain lodge built at the southern slope, named "Heinrichshöhe" after his son Henry ("Heinrich") Ernest. The first inn on the Brocken summit was built around 1800.