for your hike in the Harz
It’s not the path that makes the hiker tired, but what they’re not prepared for.
… says a proverb from the mountains.
The rule is: the longer the hike, the more there is to think about. But even for a short walk after dinner, you should at least take a look at the weather and know how long the route will be, so it doesn’t accidentally turn into a night hike. Below you’ll find some tips which – if considered in advance – will guarantee hiking fun.
The Harzklub takes great voluntary care of the signposting of hiking trails in the Harz Mountains. Between the trail signs, which can be recognised by their red sides and the Harzklub logo, waymarks help with orientation. They are mostly attached to posts or, in part, still to trees. Sometimes a red stripe, yellow dot, blue triangle etc. points the way, or the logos of long-distance hiking trails, such as the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg or the Harzer Klosterwanderweg. These markings are the same as those shown on hiking maps, for example from the Schmidt Book Publishing House.
The Harz Mountains have hiking season all year round. It’s especially beautiful in spring, when nature awakens, and in autumn, when the leaves change colour and morning mist covers the high plains. The first snow can already fall in late autumn and may remain until April.
Many hiking trails in the Harz can also be explored in winter. In the higher areas around the Brocken, freshly fallen snow may delay trail preparation and accessibility. In winter, many trails are crossed by tracks for cross-country skiing, so please be considerate. In the tour portal and on the winter sports page, winter hiking routes are specifically marked.
The last stage of the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg between Treseburg and Thale is closed during the winter months due to ice and snow until spring. During this time, an alternative “winter detour” is signposted along the heights in the direction of Hexentanzplatz.
Tours portal
With more than 8,000 kilometres of signposted hiking trails, you’re truly spoilt for choice. At the same time, finding your way around isn’t always easy. On the tours portal - touren.harzinfo.de - you’ll find a huge selection of ready-made tours as well as the option to create your own personal tour in the tour planner. Whether you choose a ready-made or a custom tour, you can navigate safely on the go with the Harz app. However, it’s important that you download the tour for offline use.
Registration in the tours portal or the Harz app is free of charge.
Any current information on trail closures and diversions on Harz hiking routes, as far as we’re aware of them, will be pointed out in the tours portal.
Hiking maps
Are you more of an analogue type and prefer to set out with a hiking map? Then you’ll find the right hiking map for your walk in the Harz in our online shop. The Harzer Hexen-Stieg and the Harzer Klosterwanderweg each have their own dedicated map.
During the hiking season from April to October, sturdy shoes and weatherproof clothing are sufficient for a hike. In some places, walking sticks are helpful but not essential. A packed lunch and enough to drink – at least 1 litre on a day trip – definitely belong in your daypack, as well as rain and sun protection.
In spring and autumn, it can be quite warm during the day, but the mornings can sometimes be chilly. A jumper or fleece that’s easy to pack away will help here. You’ll most likely need it on the Brocken, as its exposed location makes it prone to wind and fog.
Depending on how severe the winter is, snow can be expected from November to April. Even though the sun already brings some warmth again in spring, there can still be white surprises waiting in shady spots at higher altitudes. Waterproof and non-slip footwear is therefore recommended. Crampons or similar alpine equipment are never necessary.
The journey to the Harz is easy to make both by car and by train. If you’re staying several days with overnight accommodation in the Harz, you can also use the HATIX guest ticket to get to the starting point of your hike or back to your accommodation.
They say, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing!” But who really feels like hiking all day through puddles and mud in pouring rain? Whether it’s worth taking your swimwear along on a hike also depends on the weather. Find out what the weather in the Harz will be like here!
... that’s why we ask you to #TakeItWithYou. This way, you and all other hikers can enjoy nature, and the wild animals are protected from the dangers caused by litter and food waste.
The people behind the “The Forest Calls” initiative explain what has led to the current state of the forests in recent years and how you can help, for example, by making a forest donation.
“Take only memories with you, leave nothing but footprints.”
Chief Seattle
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