Circular hiking trail from Neuwerk to the Rappbode Reservoir with Titan RT (HWN 62 & 9915)

12.84 km long
Round trip
Difficulty: medium
Condition: easy
Great panorama
Walking / hiking
  • 3:55 h
  • 12.84 km
  • 277 m
  • 279 m
  • 343 m
  • 472 m
  • 129 m
  • Start: Parking lot or bus stop Neuwerk
  • Destination: Parking lot or bus stop Neuwerk

An approximately 13 km long and entertaining circular hiking trail with many highlights and varied sections.

The circular hiking trail starts in the small Harz village Neuwerk and leads via the HET trail (blue triangle) to the Rappbode Reservoir with the RT suspension bridge. At this tourist junction, many opportunities await the hiker to explore the surroundings. Whether on foot via classic paths or over the 452 m long shaky suspension bridge or with plenty of adrenaline on the rope, with the zipline into the valley or free falling from the suspension bridge. One thing is clear; there is definitely something for EVERYONE. Don't forget to capture the breathtaking view on or from Germany's highest dam – the Rappbode Reservoir. After this highlight, continue to the Wendefurth Reservoir, which adjoins the Rappbode Reservoir. Here “below,” another excursion destination awaits you – the Wendefurth boat rental (summer months). You can choose pedal or row boats. If you decide on a boat trip, it’s not as relaxed over water as you might think. No! You can watch the brave megazipliners or Gigaswingers from the water. After your boat trip, make sure to stop by the fish restaurant or eat a fish sandwich at the stand. After your refreshment, continue over the Wendefurth dam on the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg, but in the opposite direction. One of the most beautiful and varied sections of the long-distance hiking trail leads you back to Neuwerk.

The tour can also be hiked in partial sections and a return bus trip from the Rappbode Reservoir towards Rübeland/Neuwerk is possible.

Good to know

Pavements

Asphalt (12%)
Trail (39%)
Path (33%)
Street (10%)
Gravel (6%)

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

The starting point is the parking lot in Neuwerk. From there, you cross the bridge, pass the bus stop, and continue straight on the HET trail (blue triangle). From here, a bit of stamina is required as the path initially goes uphill over roots and forest floor. Once at the top, you will have a beautiful panoramic view of Neuwerk. An old enchanted, fallen tree forms a small gate. After passing through this tree gate, keep left at the end of the path. The varied trail ends after about 1.1 km on a wider natural path. At the fork, take the path to the left and continue hiking about 500 m until you reach the L96. At the country road, turn sharply left and walk about 900 m along the guardrail. Then you reach the Harzdrenalin parking lot at the Rappbode Reservoir. Cross this and head towards the Harzdrenalin visitor center and then towards the megazipline, suspension bridge, and playground. At the top, you will have a breathtaking view of the Rappbode dam as well as the Rappbode and Wendefurth reservoirs. Additionally, you can watch the brave zipliners from UP here, who glide down over the reservoir on a cable every minute. Or would you like to get your own special action kick?

For the absolute adrenaline junkies among you, we have another tip – with the Gigaswing you can jump directly from the suspension bridge. Feeling tempted? Please book appointments in advance at www.harzdrenalin.de!

You can also gladly continue your hike over the RT suspension bridge. It is definitely worthwhile, and you get a special stamp from the Harzer Wandernadel on top.
Those of you who are not afraid of heights can also do the tour the classic way on solid ground. Next to the playground, a zigzag path leads straight down to the dam, which you can then conveniently cross on foot, always keeping an eye on the megazipliners and suspension bridge walkers. At the end of the dam and suspension bridge, the zigzag path continues down into the valley toward the Wendefurth Reservoir. How about a small boat trip on the reservoir here?

After about half the tour, it’s time to take a break. A fish restaurant and a floating tavern invite you to linger and dine. After your refreshment, continue over the Wendefurth dam, where another Harzdrenalin offer awaits you. With wallrunning, you can run down the dam once. Please also book an appointment online here in advance!

At the end of the dam, you meet the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg (HHSt), which you follow towards Neuwerk. After about 300 m, you reach the stamp station No. 62 of the Harzer Wandernadel with a fantastic view of the Wendefurth Reservoir. Continue for about 4 km on the HHSt along various sections – through enchanted forests, wide meadows, narrow paths until you reach the edge of the reservoir right at the water. Idyllically, through more paths, forests, and along the Bode, you return to Neuwerk, your starting point.

Equipment

Sturdy footwear, functional clothing, backpack provisions, sun and rain protection are recommended.

Remember to pack (mobile) camera, Harzer Wandernadel stamp booklet, and possibly binoculars.

Directions & Parking facilities

You can reach Neuwerk by car

- via the B27 from Braunlage and Blankenburg

- the B244 / B27 from Wernigerode.

- as well as via the B81 junction L96 from Hasselfelde

Free parking spaces are available.

You can reach the Harz village Neuwerk by bus (possible transfers) of the Harzer Verkehrsbetriebe:
from Wernigerode
from Blankenburg
from Hasselfelde
from Braunlage - transfer at Elbingerode Market
from Benneckenstein - transfer at Elbingerode Market

The INSA – your route planner for local transport in Saxony-Anhalt >>

TIP: 

With the Harz Holiday Ticket, you are mobile for free throughout the Harz district.

HATIX – free use of public bus lines of the Harzer Verkehrsbetriebe, Q-Bus Nahverkehrsgesellschaft, Halberstädter Verkehrs-GmbH, and the Verkehrsgesellschaft Südharz in the Harz district county. Now also free use in the Goslar and Göttingen districts.

More information is available at: www.hatix.info

Additional information

Tourist Information Elbingerode

Markt 3

38875 Oberharz am Brocken

www.oberharzinfo.de

elbingerode@oberharzinfo.de

Tel.: 039454 - 89487

Literature

Unfortunately, no literature is known.

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

On this circular route, you have the opportunity to collect two of the coveted stamps of the Harzer Wandernadel.

No. 46 - Wendefurth Reservoir

No. 9915 - Suspension Bridge (special stamp)

We recommend the small detour to the Neuwerk Water Wheel in the Harz village of Neuwerk, which is located behind the Bodetal Basecamp.
Unfortunately, there is no direct access to the water wheel. However, it can be admired from the opposite side of the Bode. To do this, pass the bridge directly at the parking lot and keep right. Always along the Bodetal Basecamp. After just a few meters, you will notice the yellow Dennert-Tanne sign and a small bench. Here, cross the green strip and have a direct view of the Neuwerk Water Wheel.

Safety guidelines

No safety instructions are known.

On some route sections, there may be short-term impairments, detours, and road closures at any time due to forest changes and storm damage. Please check shortly before your hike.

Current notices can be found here >

Map

Hiking map - Town of Oberharz am Brocken 1:25000 ; ISBN 978-3-86973-065-3

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