Harzer-Hexen-Stieg

Spellbinding from beginning to end

Our trail begins in Osterode, the former seat of the dukes of Brunswick-Grubenhagen, where the cave-pocked hills of the southern Harz abruptly give way to the forested Harz mountains. Described in historical records as a villa opulentissima - a flourishing town - Osterode has long been an important trading centre. Its status is underlined by the ruined Guelph castle towering high above the medieval townscape. Perched on a rocky spur between the Söse and Lerbach valleys, the castle once ranked among the largest fortifications in central Europe, and continues to watch over walkers on our historical trail towards the Upper Harz.

One of the prettiest of Germany's premium trails, the Harzer Hexen-Stieg cuts right across the Harz mountains from Osterode, climbs up Mount Brocken, runs through the Harz and Upper Harz national parks, before finishing in Thale amid the dramatic scenery of the Bode valley. But its appeal is not limited to the ever-present natural beauty: you also gain an insight into the history and here-and-now of the captivating Harz hills. The trail embraces the historical water management system of the Upper Harz, old-established mining traditions, vast reservoirs and thriving myths and legends. A complete experience of culture and nature. From Osterode, you follow historical trading routes up to the Clausthal-Zellerfeld plateau.

A series of narrow paths guide you through the reservoirs, ditches and tunnels of the Upper Harz, past Torfhaus and up to Mount Brocken following in the footsteps of Goethe. For coal mining heritage, flower-filled mountain meadows and pretty little streams, make a detour around Mount Brocken (the highest mountain in northern Germany) to Braunlage, Schierke and Königshütte. Here, the route divides, leaving you with a choice of dripstone caves or mining heritage. One option takes you north via Rübeland, the other south via Hasselfelde. Both end up at Altenbrak and continue to Thale through the mighty Bode gorge.