The Harz Witches Trail

Osterode am Harz is easily accessible from Berlin by train (3 hours) or Hannover (2 hours). Located in the southeastern edge of the Upper Harz, Osterode is a historical trading town filled with half-timbered houses and picturesque, cobbled streets. The Town Hall dates back to 1552 and provides an impressive backdrop to a relaxing beer in the Marktplatz. Prepare for your first day of hiking on the fantastic Harz Witches Trail.   

Starting from the centre of Osterode the trail follows the Hundsche Weg, an old mining road that brought supplies to the Oberharz mining area. Midway through the day you reach the World Heritage 'Oberharzer Wasserregal', an intricate system of 110 dams built between the 16th and 19th centuries, which supplied power to the mines of the area. The trail continues to the Sperberhaier Dammhaus, where you can enjoy a refreshment before taking the bus or a taxi (not included) to Altenau for your overnight. 

For the first 2 days, you’ll be walking through the national park, some parts of which are in transition and being managed by the local park authorities due to a combination of environmental factors. This is an area where non-native spruce trees have been planted over the course of time. In addition, there are patches of forest where the bark beetle has sadly killed the older spruce trees. The bark beetle used to only be found at high altitude, but due to climate change, they have moved lower, with the planted spruce trees being easy prey for them. The national park management is helping the forest by planting new native trees and making safety strips to stop the spread of the beetles. The dead trees have been kept in situ to provide food and shelter for animals and fungi that live in the forest. Younger beech and spruce trees are also beginning to grow protected by the dead wood. Whilst it can look sparse in places, the area is in fact full of life that is just starting over again. On day 4, beyond Drei Anne Hohne there are fewer of these areas and by the time you arrive in the Bode Valley the evergreen slopes prevail.

Ascent/Descent: 550m/230m

Return to Dammhaus by bus and rejoin the trail. Your day begins through tranquil forests and along water ditches before you join the Magdeburger Weg, widely regarded as one of the finest walking trails in the Harz which leads you up to the summit of Torfhaus, where you can clearly see the summit of Brocken (1,141m), your objective for the day.

Germany's famous writer, philospher and statesman, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, was well known for having summited Brocken in 1777, 1783 and 1784 and from here on you will be following the Goetheweg footpath to the summit. The Brocken has always featured in myths and legends of witches and devils and interestingly gave its name to the Brocken Spectre, an optical illusion whereby your shadow, surrounded by a rainbow, is cast on the clouds below. Enjoy the view from the highest mountain in the Harz before taking the legendary Brockenbahn steam engine (included) to Schierke, where you will spend the night. 

Ascent/Descent: 640m/80m

Return to the Brocken on the steam train (included) where once again you can soak in the views from the highest peak in Northern Germany. Descend on foot to the village of Drei Annen Hohne, this quaint hamlet sprung up around the historic train station which is worth exploring. Continue downhill through pretty forests and past unusual rock formations to the Konigshutter waterfall. Arrive in the town of the same name and check into your comfortable hotel. Indulge in a hearty German dinner of Wurst, Sauerkraut or Schnitzel, all washed down with locally brewed beer or fine German wine. 

Ascent/Descent: 130m/730m

After a fortifying German breakfast of eggs, freshly baked bread, meats and cheese, continue on the Harz Witches Trail. There is a noticeable change in the countryside today as you walk into the chalk downs around Rübeland. You can still see the evidence of chalk mining as well as the caves of Baumannshöhle and Hermannshöhle, discovered in 1536 and 1866 respectively and both worthwhile visiting. History buffs will enjoy the historic mining village of Neuwerk, your destination for the day. 

Ascent/Descent: 180m/240m

Today a unique experience awaits in the form of the 'Rappbodetalsperre': the world's longest suspension rope bridge (entry payable locally, can be bypassed if preferred). After this adventure, enjoy the relaxing downhill forest trail as it winds its way into Altenbrak, the perfect place to stop for a 'Kaffee & Kuchen' break at one of the cafés and restaurants in the town. Once re-fuelled, continue to Treseburg, a tranquil village surrounded by nature.

Ascent/Descent: 250m/350m 

The final section of the Harz Witches Trail is particularly beautiful and mystical. It is easy to see why so many legends and myths have arised from such bewitching landscapes. Imposing rock faces and babbling brooks immerse you in the fairy-tale atmosphere of the Harz Mountains. Before reaching Thale, a detour to the Rosstrappe is recommended, from where you can enjoy fabulous views of the Bode River Valley. From here, walk or take a bus or cable car to Thale and then a train onto Quedlingburg. A beautiful medieval town on the UNESCO World Heritage list made up of half timbered houses, a towering castle and cathedral on the hill above town, Quedlinburg is one of the best preserved medieval and renaissance towns in Europe and is the perfect place to finish your Harz Witches Trail. 

Ascent/Descent: 430m/280m

Please note, as of June 2023, part of the walking route to Thale is currently closed due to a landslide bringing trees down and blocking the path. We're unsure when this will reopen so we have created an alternative route to divert around this, if it is still closed when you travel. It's best to check with the accommodation/tourist information before setting off to see if the path has reopened and to observe any signs you see along the route. It is the Bodetal section that is closed (between Treseburg to Thale). Both the original and alternative tracks are loaded in our app, so you are able to follow whichever is applicable when you travel.

We highly recommend adding an additional night in Quedlingburg. The old, narrow streets invite you to stroll, marvel and enjoy. Relax in cafés and beer gardens, toasting to a wonderful week of hiking the Harz Witches Trail. Just contact us if you would like to add any additional nights.