--- title: "Hiking in the Harz - Harzer Tourismusverband e.V." url: "https://www.harzinfo.de/en/experiences/hiking" description: "The Harz is a hiker’s paradise in Germany’s northernmost low mountain range. It has everything you need to plan the perfect hiking holiday." language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Harzinfo > Experiences > Hiking" --- Hiking in the Harz Mountains ============================ Discover the most beautiful hiking trails Experience nature and culture on the Harz hiking trails ------------------------------------------------------- The Harz Mountains are among the most popular hiking regions in Germany. No wonder, as hiking enthusiasts can reach them quickly and easily due to their central location. Once there, a diverse hiking paradise with more than 8,000 kilometres of signposted trails awaits. You can explore the varied nature at a relaxed pace on narrow paths and discover hidden traces of our history. Steeper climbs and rocky trails will delight the more ambitious hikers among you. In addition, rustic forest inns, hidden resting spots and exciting themed trails ensure that even kids will have plenty of fun hiking in the Harz Mountains. > Have fun exploring! What awaits hikers in the Harz: \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- ### Hiking regions in the Harz – From the Brocken to the Bodetal Paar auf der Achtermannshöhe bei Torfhaus - Brocken and National Park Around the 1,141-metre-high stretches the with its extensive network of hiking trails. Towering cliffs, mystical moors, sparkling streams, and untamed forests make every hiker’s heart rejoice along the different . The and the also lead for long stretches through the Harz National Park and across northern Germany’s highest peak. - Northern Harz While hiking along the you can gaze across wide fields and already see the towers of collegiate and monastery churches from afar. Every spring, the pheasant’s eye flowers enchant hiking enthusiasts in the Fallstein area. The begins on this ridge. - Southern Harz Rugged rocks and gentle hills, sometimes covered with lush flowering meadows and sometimes with light deciduous forests, characterise this part of the Harz, which is among the most important . The more than 200-kilometre-long links impressive natural and cultural highlights along both a northern and a southern route. - Spectacular Bodetal This Harz hiking highlight stretches between Altenbrak and Thale. For hikers, it is the final stage. Rugged rocks, with the Bode River roaring through them, make this section particularly impressive. - Wild and romantic Selketal The Selke sometimes rushes wildly down the Selke Falls and then gently trickles, dreamily and romantically, over sunlit stones. The follows the river. When you hike here on one of the many narrow paths, you wander either under a dense canopy of leaves or along cliffside trails with stunning views. ### Hiking trails for families Wanderspass mit Kindern Hiking is child’s play – just put one foot in front of the other. But that’s exactly what kids find boring. They want to discover, try things out and have fun. In the Harz Mountains, these wishes come true. There are exciting themed trails like the Nature Myths Trail near Braunlage, the climate education trails or the Dandelion Discovery Trail. At the Liebesbankweg near Hahnenklee there’s even a great water playground. Skipping stones across the water or diving headfirst into the cool water are welcome breaks on your family hike. Some rocks, for example on the Teufelsmauer Trail or on the Brocken ascent through the Eckerloch, invite you to do a bit of climbing. Surely you and your kids have already met the Brocken Gang. Some of the tricky puzzle tours are also available as hiking adventures. And don’t forget to take a with you on your hike in the Harz. By the end of your holiday, you’ll probably have a little hiking princess or prince. One thing’s for sure: are anything but boring. - ### **The Harzer-Hexen-Stieg** Once across the Harz Mountains – from to – and experience all the fascination of the region along the way. Almost 100 kilometres of spectacular nature, history beneath every stone, and myths of the as well as tales of princesses, devils, witches and evil giants will enchant and delight you during your hike on the Harz's top trail. - ### Demanding tours - adventurous hiking trails for experienced hikers Wandern im Nationalpark Harz - Wolfswarte For experienced hikers, the steep cliff paths in the or in the Bodetal offer real challenges. Spectacular rock formations and deeply cut gorges make every hiker’s heart beat faster. Long-distance hikes are no less demanding. How about walking the not in five, but in just two or three stages? Altitude collectors will be thrilled by the . If that’s still not enough, set yourself a time goal. Maybe you’d like to try a change of perspective and walk around the on a 30-kilometre tour instead of climbing it. Near Osterode, the rustic forest inn is located in an exposed position between the Siebertal and Sösetalsperre. If you want to sit here by the crackling fireplace, you can climb up via steep, stony paths. On the , you have the chance to plan your very own personal challenge. The are challenging and motivating. At these perfectly organised events, you’ll set off with like-minded people on particularly scenic circular or point-to-point routes. At the finish line, everyone is celebrated like a winner! Everything for the perfect hiking holiday in the Harz Mountains Hiking & holiday offers ### **The Harz Hiking Badge** The Harz Hiking Badge is *the* hiking fun for the whole family. 222 stamp boxes attract hikers to outstanding highlights in the Harz and turn every hiking grouch into an enthusiastic stamp collector. As a reward, various hiking badges await you and, of course, the title “Hiking Emperor”. - ### Nature and culture - hikes to sights in the Harz Burg Falkenstein - Ansicht von der Ostseite There’s no such thing as a hike in the Harz without natural highlights. At the same time, you’ll come across traces of its eventful history everywhere. In the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper Harz Water Management System, ditches both rushing and calm accompany the most beautiful hiking trails, including the and the . The is especially scenic and takes hikers, for example, to or to the . “A monastery on every stage” is the motto for hikers on the . A bit further south, the historic above the enchanting Selke Valley makes a worthwhile destination. A hike along the leads you to silent witnesses of Germany’s more recent history, while the marks of long-gone eras can be discovered on the . The Stemberghaus Harz Charcoal Kiln on the invites you to take a cosy break and offers information at the charcoal burning museum about this traditional Harz craft. There are many more examples to mention, but it’s even better if you come to the Harz yourself and experience nature and culture right on the spot. One more special tip: Bring a along on your hike. ### Practical Tips - How to Make Your Hike a Success Nationalpark Harz - Wanderweg Good planning is the key to a successful hike. Ask yourself questions like: *Where to go* *and which route to take?* *What kind of weather can you expect? What should you wear? What should go in your hiking backpack?*  Great destinations and tours for young and old alike can be found in the and in the Harz app. The app also makes it easier to find your way while on the go. Hiking maps for the Harz are available at the and in the online shop. The best time for hiking is the summer half of the year. The weather is usually more stable, the mountain meadows shine in bright colours, and the forests glow with lush green. However, once the golden autumn is over, you should expect fog or rain more often. Then the saying applies: there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing. With the right clothing, your Harz hike can become a truly mystical experience, especially then. But keep in mind that it gets dark earlier. Crampons and similar equipment are not needed in the Harz at any time of year, but sturdy footwear is always recommended. All year round, snacks and plenty of water or tea, as well as an extra jacket, belong in a well-packed hiking backpack — that way you’ll be prepared if the weather changes unexpectedly. Please also take a small rubbish bag with you, because we ask you to . - What you should know about the Harz hiking region: - Where can you go hiking in the Harz? You can enjoy hiking everywhere in the Harz Mountains. The network of trails stretches across the entire region and covers 8,000 kilometres of marked hiking paths. There’s something for everyone: for ambitious hikers, exciting family hikes, varied day trips, or . In the you’ll find your perfect hike in the Harz. - Which Harz hiking trails are especially beautiful? There are many beautiful hiking trails in the Harz. You can find them for example in the or in the . However, you’ll find spectacular nature and cultural sights everywhere. Every hiker will discover their favourite trail there. - How long does it take to hike up the Brocken? There are several . They are all located in the and vary in length and level of difficulty. The easiest trail starts at the Oderbrück car park and is about 9 kilometres long. The most exciting climb for children is the one from Schierke through the Eckerloch. At just under 6 kilometres, it is also the shortest. The Heinrich Heine Trail from Ilsenburg or the Teufelsstieg from Bad Harzburg are, at 11 and 13 kilometres respectively, the longest and most challenging routes to the Brocken summit. - What are the best hiking routes for families in the Harz? Which family hike is best for your kids depends, for example, on what they enjoy most. If they love climbing, the Teufelsmauer circular trail, a hike up to the Wolfswarte, or the path through the Eckerloch up to the Brocken is perfect. If they prefer puzzles, you should definitely check out one of the Brockenbande trails. Little water lovers will be thrilled by the water playground on the Liebesbankweg. The climate education trails in the Harz near Buntenbock and the Sösetal dam are meanwhile perfect for little explorers. - Which hiking trails are there in the Harz National Park? The has a very well-developed hiking trail network. Among other things, you walk on all within the national park. Long-distance hikers on the or the also pass through the Harz National Park on several stages. Many natural highlights such as the Achtermann Cliffs or the Wolfswarte are located in this area. You mostly hike on narrow trails. You can also learn a lot about the myths and legends of the Harz on interesting themed hiking trails. This might also interest you: