Harzer-Hexen-Stieg

Harzer Hexenstieg: straight through the rugged nature of the Harz

The versatile nature of the Harz , the highest low mountain range in northern Germany, is best discovered on foot. The 97 km long Harzer Hexenstieg hiking trail connects the different landscapes between Osterode in Lower Saxony and Thale in Saxony-Anhalt. Hiking through the Harz is an intensive introduction to the rugged wilderness of the Harz National Park, where nature is allowed to take its course again. And where the lynx occurs again. Many legends and legends surround the highest mountain in the Harz, the Brocken. Gnomes live here and witches and devils hide behind thick tree trunks. On April 30, it becomes very ominous when the witches party here during the Walpurgis night.

Traces of mining are visible everywhere on the part of the Harzer Hexenstieg through Lower Saxony. The trees were used to produce charcoal, needed to make metal from ore. Water was also important for mining. You will therefore encounter many ditches and puddles on the walking route.

Part of the Harzer Hexenstieg follows the course of the former Iron Curtain. The Brocken was a symbol of the dichotomy. From afar, the summit was visible to all, but it was unreachable. Only the Stasi and Russian military had access to this important listening post.

After the Brocken, the walk follows the river Bode, which has its source in the marsh at various places. It flows through dense forests and meadow landscapes to the Bodetal. In this spectacular valley, the rock walls tower hundreds of meters upwards and the water makes its way with thunderous force.