--- title: "Hiking trails to the Brocken- Harzer Tourismusverband e.V." url: "https://www.harzinfo.de/en/experiences/hiking/hiking-trails-to-the-brocken" description: "The following paths lead to the Brocken, the highest mountain in the Harz Mountains!" language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Harzinfo > Experiences > Hiking > Hiking trails to the Brocken" --- The paths to the Brocken ======================== To the highest mountain in the Harz Mountains --------------------------------------------- The is the highest peak in the Harz Mountains at 1,141 metres. From the top, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view. A hike up the Brocken is therefore one of the highlights of every trip to the Harz. Famous travellers such as Goethe and Heine were already magically drawn to the summit back in their day. Goethe included his impressions of the “Blocksberg” and the Walpurgis Night in Faust, and Heine wrote in his “Harzreise”: “I want to climb the mountains, where the dark fir trees rise, brooks murmur, birds sing, and the proud clouds chase...” The , as the summit is also called, has some special features: geographically, it lies on the former and was a restricted area from 1961 to 1989. Climatically, its elevated position in northern Germany brings rough winds and cold temperatures, comparable to the mountains of Iceland. In terms of nature conservation, the magical mountain peak belongs to the and lies at the heart of the park’s core zone. That’s why public traffic is not allowed. Although the Brocken Road leads from up to the summit, it can only be used with a special permit. Some coach drivers offer covered wagon rides from Schierke up to the Brocken. The second option to reach the Brocken is the , which is part of the . Anyone who wants to experience the climb up to the summit fully will, of course, hike up. From Torfhaus, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe began his first Brocken tour on 10 December 1777, accompanied by forester Degen. The rough terrain, unspoilt nature and strange rock formations along the way left a lasting impression on him. Goethe captured his Brocken experience in Faust. Overview - - - - - - - - ### All paths to the Brocken #### Ascent from Ilsenburg - The Heinrich Heine Trail  Probably the **most beautiful** ascent to the Brocken starts in Ilsenburg and follows the footsteps of Heinrich Heine along the mountain stream Ilse. #### Ascent from Schierke - the shortest way to the summit For experienced and well-equipped hikers, the charming ascent from Schierke through the Eckerloch to the Brocken is recommended. #### Ascent from Elend - The Devil’s Trail The Devil’s Trail is the **most difficult** ascent to the Brocken. The hike starts in Elend, leads over the Brocken, and ends in Bad Harzburg. #### Ascent from Torfhaus - The Goethe Trail Just as Goethe once started from Torfhaus in the west to climb the Brocken, this is probably the **most popular** hiking trail across the Great Torfhaus Moor to the Brocken. #### Ascent from Altenau  New section of the Goethe Trail from Altenau to Torfhaus and then on to the Brocken. #### Ascent from Oderbrück  On this hiking trail, you reach the Brocken via the Dreieckiger Pfahl and the . #### Ascent from the Ehrenfriedhof  This climb offers an alternative to the routes starting at Torfhaus or Oderbrück. ### Tips for hiking up the Brocken Expand allCollapse all - What’s the weather like on the Brocken? At the mountain summit it’s much colder than in the valley, and rough winds blow – so it’s advisable to always have a jacket with you. The first snow usually falls as early as September and often stays until March. In clear weather you’ll have an excellent view. - What clothing do I need? Sturdy footwear and weatherproof, warm clothing are a must. Don’t underestimate the climb. In the summer months, proper sun protection is just as important. - Is there somewhere to eat at the summit? Food and drinks are available at the Brockenwirt in the station and in the tourist hall at the summit. Overnight stays at the Brockenhotel are popular and only possible by reservation. - Is the circular hike worth it? Definitely! In the midst of granite boulders, plants of the far north grow on the Brocken summit. A circular trail (1.6 km) leads around the summit – along the route where the Brocken Wall once stood. Take your time for the Brocken circular walk with the Devil’s Pulpit and Witch’s Altar. These two granite cliffs on the Brocken peak already impressed Goethe. It is said that witches and devils meet here on Walpurgis Night. - When should I explore the Brockengarten? Botanists took an interest in this unique vegetation early on. In the Brocken Garden, founded in 1890, around 1,800 alpine species from all over the world grow today. You can explore it from mid-May to mid-October on guided tours. - What can I expect in the Brockenhaus? Inside, a modern and extensive exhibition on the history and nature of the Brocken summit awaits you. - How should I behave properly? Every year, several million people visit the Harz National Park, especially the Brocken. To make sure plants and animals can live undisturbed, there are strict rules you should follow. - Don’t leave any rubbish in the forest. - Don’t take anything from nature – every animal and plant has its own role. - Don’t make a fire, even in cool weather – there’s a risk of wildfires. - Don’t smoke in the national park to prevent forest fires. - Keep your dog on a lead all year round. - Spending the night or camping in the national park is not allowed. - Stay on the marked paths – you must stick to the trail rule. - Only ride on designated routes. - Cycling is allowed on all hiking trails, but give way to pedestrians. #### You might also be interested in: