---
title: "Hiking in the Harz Mountains – Practical tips - Harzer Tourismusverband e.V."
url: "https://www.harzinfo.de/en/experiences/hiking/hiking-in-the-harz-mountains-practical-tips"
description: "Every adventure starts with good planning! The same goes for your hike in the Harz Mountains."
language: "en"
breadcrumb: "Root > Harzinfo > Experiences > Hiking > Hiking in the Harz Mountains – Practical tips"
---

Practical tips
==============

for your hike in the Harz

 

Schild Harzer-Hexen-Stieg

> 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.

- Signposting of hiking trails
    
    The  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  or the . These markings are the same as those shown on hiking maps, for example from the .
- The best time for your hike in the Harz
    
    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  and on the winter sports page, winter hiking routes are specifically marked.
    
    The  between Treseburg and Thale is closed during the winter months due to ice and snow until spring. During this time, an alternative “” is signposted along the heights in the direction of Hexentanzplatz.
- Tour portal - Harz app - Hiking maps
    
    **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 -  - you’ll find a huge selection of  as well as the option to create your own personal tour in the . Whether you choose a ready-made or a custom tour, you can navigate safely on the go with the . 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  on Harz hiking routes, as far as we’re aware of them, will be pointed out .
    
    
    **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 . The  and the  each have their own dedicated map.
- Equipment
    
    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.
- Getting there & Local transport
    
    The  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  to get to the starting point of your hike or back to your accommodation.
- Weather
    
    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.
- Protect what we love
    
    ... that’s why we ask you to . 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  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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