Harzer Hexenstieg (Harz Witches' Trail)

The Harzer-Hexen-Stieg (Harz Witches' Trail) is a long-distance hiking trail of about 100 km (62 miles) through the Harz mountains. It runs from Osterode am Harz in Lower Saxony over the Brocken to Thale in Saxony-Anhalt, linking half-timbered towns, high moors, Harz National Park and the deep Bode valley. If you want things to do in the Harz that go beyond a single day hike, this is a compact multi-day route with northern Germany's highest mountain as its high point.

Route and background

The trail starts in Osterode and ends in Thale at 175 m; the highest point is the Brocken at 1,141 m (3,744 ft). Sources differ: 97 km or 94 to 107 km, depending on the route. The Harz Tourism Association and the Harzklub look after it. It has been a certified quality trail since 2007, and in 2009 it became a founding member of the Top Trails of Germany. Between Altenau and Drei Annen Hohne it passes through Harz National Park, and 28 stamp points of the Harzer Wandernadel system lie along the network.

The name refers to mystical places on the route, such as the Brocken and the Hexentanzplatz (Witches' Dance Floor) in Thale.

Stages and variants

The official site suggests five stages from about 11.6 to about 30 km. Stage 1 runs from Osterode to Buntenbock, now part of Clausthal-Zellerfeld. It follows the historic Hundscher Weg, reaches the Marienblick viewpoint over the Lerbach valley and passes the Bärenbrucher Teich pond. It is about 11.6 km and takes around 4 hours; other portals give 11 or 12 km. The final stage leads through the Bode valley to Thale.

Two alternatives complement the main route: the Brocken bypass from Torfhaus via St. Andreasberg and Braunlage (32.3 km), and the Köhlerpfad south of the Rappbode reservoir from Königshütte via Hasselfelde (23.8 km). With them, the network totals 152 km. The official guide is the KartoGuide from Schmidt-Buch-Verlag.

Highlights

• Marienblick over the Lerbach valley, early on stage 1.
• The Brocken (1,141 m), the climax of the trail; the Brocken steam railway also runs to the summit.
• Harz National Park: forests, granite boulders and moors between Altenau and Drei Annen Hohne.
• Bode valley and Hexentanzplatz near Thale: a finale with steep cliffs and wide views.

Getting there

The start is at the Bleichestelle car park in Osterode, where an arch with an information board marks the beginning. Parking at the start is free. By car, Osterode is reached via the B 243; by train, the Osterode Mitte stop is the most convenient. Check Deutsche Bahn for current connections.

Winter warning

The section between Treseburg and Thale is closed from November to March because of rockfall risk. A signed detour runs via the Hexentanzplatz. Check current closures with the Harz Tourism Association or Harz National Park before you start.

Tips

The trail is a mountain route with some long climbs, so good fitness helps. It is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. You will find lodging and places to eat in the towns along the way.

Nearby

Along the way are Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Torfhaus, Altenau, Hasselfelde and the Rappbode reservoir. At the end, the Roßtrappe and the Hexentanzplatz wait near Thale.