--- title: "The Harzer Wandernadel - Harzer Tourismusverband e.V." url: "https://www.harzinfo.de/en/experiences/hiking/the-harzer-wandernadel" description: "The Harzer Wandernade is a hiking badge for the Harz region. A total of 222 stamp points link together tourist highlights in the Harz." language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Harzinfo > Experiences > Hiking > The Harzer Wandernadel" --- 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?   A hiking badge for young and old Wanderer im Südharz am roten Schuss 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 . The stamping point near the 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 . However, the Harzer Wandernadel also leads you to the hidden treasures of the Harz Mountains, such as the idyllic , the popular or the bizarre sandstone formations of the . ### **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. - ### **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 you can find all the stamping points and use the 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. ### 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. 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 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 - - What is the Harz Hiking Badge? With the Harzer Wandernadel you can document your hikes in the Harz step by step. At designated locations you'll find stamping points where you can add to your stamp booklet. Depending on how many stamps you collect, you'll receive different badges. Once you've collected all 222 stamps, you earn the title of Harz Hiking Emperor. - How many stamps are there in the Harz Hiking Badge programme? The Harzer Wandernadel has 222 green stamp boxes at special viewpoints, forest inns, historical or natural sights. Additionally, there are 15 red stamp boxes along the Harz Monastery Trail. - Where can I get the Harzer Wandernadel stamp booklet? You can buy both the hiking pass with all 222 stamping points and the accompanying booklets in the . They are also available at the in the Harz. - Which hiking trails belong to the Harzer Wandernadel? The stamping points of the Harzer Wandernadel can be found along the entire hiking trail network of the Harz. Whether you're hiking in the , in the wild and romantic Selke Valley, or on the , you can collect stamps everywhere. With every new stamp, you get closer to one of the coveted hiking badges and experience a small adventure. - How many stamps do you need for the Harzer Wandernadel? With the Harz Hiking Badge you can earn a total of 13 different badges. You’ll receive the bronze badge once your stamp booklet shows 8 different stamps. For 24 stamps you’ll get the golden badge. When all 222 stamp spots are filled, you can call yourself the Hiking Emperor. Besides these levels, there are other awards. These include the Harz Emperor’s Shoe and the Harz Miner. Kids also join in eagerly: anyone who collects 11 different stamps will be named Harz Hiking Princess or Harz Hiking Prince. There are also special badges, for example for hikers on the or the . Contact Harz Hiking Badge GmbH - Schnappelberg 6 38889  Blankenburg - +49 3944 9547148 - -