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The Harz Hiking Badge

On a stamp hunt through the Harz

Experience the Harz Hiking Badge adventure on scenic trails

Like hardly any other region, the Harz impresses with a very well-developed network of hiking trails, historic sites and breathtaking natural diversity. With 222 stamp locations, the Harz Hiking Badge connects these special places throughout the Harz. Whether young or old, ambitious hiker or leisure walker – the passion for collecting stamps gets everyone. As a reward, various badges and the title “Hiking Emperor” await you, but only if you can show all 222 stamps. 

Become a stamp hunter and experience a little adventure in the Harz with every tour!

Overview:

- What is the Harz Hiking Badge?
- Popular stamping points
- Stamping fun with the family
- Tips & tricks for your stamp tour
- Accompanying booklets & themed badges
- Practical information
- FAQ
- Contact


 

What is the Harz Hiking Badge? 

 A hiking badge for young and old

Eine Wandererin mit Rucksack blickt entspannt von einer Holzbrüstung über die herbstliche Südharzer Landschaft. Die weiten, grünen Hügel und der klare Himmel im Hintergrund laden zu Entdeckungen in der idyllischen Natur des Südharzes ein.
Couchflucht.de, S. Bechtold | CC-BY

All across the Harz you’ll find 222 dark green stamp boxes. They are placed at shelters, viewpoints, inns, and sites of historical significance. You collect your stamps in the Harzer Wandernadel stamp booklet – your hiking pass.

To earn the badges in bronze, silver, gold, or the title of Hiking Emperor, you need a specific number of different stamps. Each stamp counts only once but remains valid when you reach higher levels.

With every new stamp, you fill your hiking pass and gradually get to know the landscape and history of the Harz on your journeys. In the end, you won’t only take home a badge, but also countless impressions of the mountains themselves.

Popular stamping points 

From the Brocken to the Bodetal valley

Hanskühnenburg

Some of the stamping points are easy to find at popular excursion destinations. You can crown your hike up the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains, with the stamp at the Brockenhaus. The stamping point near the Rosstrappe in Thale is also very popular. After the climb, make sure to enjoy the view into the Bodetal valley, the famous rocky gorge at the end of the Harzer Hexenstieg. However, the Harzer Wandernadel also leads you to the hidden treasures of the Harz Mountains, such as the idyllic Huttaler Widerwaage, the popular hiking inn Plessenburg or the bizarre sandstone formations of the Hamburger Wappen. 

All stamping points to browse through!

www.marcusgloger.de, HTV, M. Gloger | CC-BY-SA

The Harz stamp hunt 

… fun for the whole family

Even the names "Stöberhai", "Rabenklippe", "Elfenstein" or "Prinzenlaube" promise adventure and excitement. Your kids will quickly become enthusiastic stamp hunters. While they eagerly look forward to the next stamp, you as parents or grandparents can enjoy the peace and beauty of Harz nature. 

To the family hikes in the Harz

This is how you can become the Harz Hiking King or Queen 

Tips and tricks for your stamp tours

The best thing about the Harz Hiking Badge is that on one tour you can often reach several stamping points. The key is good planning. On the tour portal touren.harzinfo.de you can find all the stamping points and use the tour planner to create your own stamp tour. While exploring the Harz along your routes, you can collect eight stamps for the bronze hiking badge. With 16 stamps you receive the silver badge, and with 24 the gold. Anyone who collects 50 stamps can call themselves a hiking king or queen. Once your stamp booklet contains all 222 stamps, you’re considered a hiking emperor. You can get the hiking pass and the corresponding badges for a small fee at most tourist information centres in the Harz or directly at the Harz Hiking Badge office in Blankenburg.

Andreas Schwientek | CC-BY
Alexander Kassner Alex K. Media, HTV, A. Kassner Alex K. Media | CC-BY-SA

Companion booklets and theme badges

If castles and palaces fascinate you, you'll find suitable hiking routes in the companion booklet “Harz Historic Sites – Castles & Palaces.”
If you're interested in mining in the Harz, the “Harzer Steiger” booklet belongs in your backpack. To earn the themed badge “Harzer Steiger,” you need 111 stamps, at least 23 of them from mining-related checkpoints.
You can also follow in Goethe’s footsteps in the Harz: in the accompanying booklet, you collect 28 stamps to earn the Goethe themed badge.
There are also special booklets with matching badges for the Harz Border Trail and the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg.
In total, 19 companion booklets are available to guide you through the Harz on various themes.

Die Stempelkästen der Harzer Wandernadel sind nur am Harzer Klosterwanderweg rot; sonst sind sie grün.
The Harz Monastery Trail is one of the most popular long-distance hiking routes in the Harz region. Covering around 100 km, it leads through the gentle hills of the northern Harz and connects historic monasteries and enchanting village churches. For this inspiring route, the Harz Hiking Badge has published its own companion booklet. Along the main trail, you’ll find 15 red stamp boxes featuring the respective locations. Only if you can show all 15 stamps in the “Harz Monastery Trail” booklet are you allowed to purchase the high-quality copper badge.

Practical advice for your hike 

How to get ready

Every tour through the Harz requires good preparation. So that you can fully focus on collecting stamps along the way, it's worth thinking about a few things in advance and packing your rucksack accordingly.

  • Plan your hike in advance on touren.harzinfo.de to collect as many stamps as possible!

  • Don’t forget the stamp booklet of the Harz Hiking Badge (hiking pass) under any circumstances!

  • Do you collect stamps based on a theme or region? Then make sure to pack the corresponding companion booklet!

  • A hiking map with stamp locations or the Harz app will make it easier to find your way!

  • Check the weather app so you can prepare for sun, rain or cold!

  • Pack snacks and enough drinks, especially if you’re hiking with kids!

  • Don’t forget a small bag for your rubbish! …because #TakeItWithYouAgain!

More practical tips for your hike!

Contact

Harz Hiking Badge GmbH