Hiking in the Harz:
Breathe in the forest air, feel the open spaces.

Moss beneath your feet, the scent of spruce in the air, and a stream murmuring somewhere in the distance. Hiking in the Harz means becoming more at peace with each step – and, once you reach the top of the cliff, finding your true self.

The Harz is Germany’s northernmost low mountain range and one of the country’s most diverse hiking regions. Here, trails lead through the Harz National Park, up to the legendary Brocken, along wild stream valleys and past glistening reservoirs. Whether it’s a day trip, a long-distance hiking trail or a leisurely walk with the family: in the Harz, everyone can find their own pace.

An ideal starting point is Wernigerode, the ‘Colourful Town in the Harz’. From here, you can reach many of the most beautiful hiking trails on foot, by the Harz narrow-gauge railway or after a short drive. And in the evening? The A-ROSA Gothische Haus Wernigerodeon the market square awaits you with warm lighting, Harz cuisine and a hot tub for tired legs.

Benches in a grassy area with trees and a hill in the background.

Hiking in the Harz Mountains: the figures

Nature experiences around Wernigerode.

In the Harz Mountains, you’ll encounter nature in all its moods: deep, silent forests; raised bogs shrouded in morning mist; crystal-clear reservoirs; and sweeping views from the peaks. Every tour opens a new chapter – sometimes gentle, sometimes vigorous, but always unspoilt.

Over 8,000 kilometres of footpaths: a well-signposted network links villages, cliffs, castles and mountain meadows.

222 stamp points on the Harz Hiking Badge trail: Use your hiking pass to collect stamps at vantage points, huts and places of interest.

The Brocken (1,141 m): The highest mountain in northern Germany can be reached by the Harz narrow-gauge railway from Wernigerode or via six signposted hiking trails.

Harz National Park: One of Germany’s largest forest national parks, where nature is allowed to be nature once again.

The Harz stalactite caves: The Baumannshöhle and the Hermannshöhle in Rübeland are among the best-known tourist caves in Germany.

Dams and reservoirs: At 106 metres, the Rappbode Dam has the highest dam wall in Germany.

The most beautiful walking routes

Where are the best places to go hiking in the Harz Mountains?

Fromsummit climbs to valley walks: these routes are among the most popular hiking destinations in the Harz Mountains – many of them start right on the outskirts of Wernigerode.

A forest with trees and the Brocken in the Harz Mountains in the background.

Hiking on the Brocken

High above, the wind whistles; below, the Harz Mountains stretch out like a green sea. The Brocken is the destination every hiker in the Harz Mountains hopes to reach at least once.

Popular starting points: Schierke, Ilsenburg (Heinrich-Heine-Weg), Torfhaus (Goetheweg)
Difficulty: moderate, several hundred metres of elevation gain depending on the route
Our tip: walk up, then take the steam-powered Brocken Railway back to Wernigerode

A path from the Harz Hexenstieg through a forest with lush vegetation and tall trees.

The Harz Witches’ Trail

The Harz Hexenstieg stretches for around 94 kilometres from Osterode right across the Harz Mountains to Thale. Along the way, you’ll encounter moors, reservoirs, the Brocken and the spectacular Bode Valley.

Duration: usually 5 to 6 stages
Suitable for: experienced walkers keen to spend several days on the trail
Good to know: Individual stages also make excellent day walks

A house in the woods, surrounded by trees, with the Steinerne Renne stream in the foreground

Stone Race

Granite boulders, waterfalls and the murmur of the Holtemme: the Steinernen Renne valley begins in Hasserode, a district of Wernigerode. At the top, a stop for refreshments at the hut is a well-deserved reward for the climb.

Difficulty: easy to moderate
Ideal for: families, half-day walks, hot summer’s days in the shade

Bode Valley near Thale

Hexentanzplatz and Rosstrappe: steep rock faces, with the roaring River Bode far below. The trail through the Bode Valley is one of the most impressive gorge walks in Germany.

The Rappbode Dam and the Titan-RT suspension bridge in the Harz Mountains.

Rappbode Dam and Suspension Bridge

Can you go for a walk on the Titan-RT suspension bridge? Yes – there are circular walks around the Rappbode Dam that take you across the suspension bridge and the dam wall. You’ll need to have a head for heights.

Baumann’s Cave and Hermann’s Cave

When it’s raining outside, things get exciting underground. A visit to the stalactite caves in Rübeland can easily be combined with a short walk through the Bode Valley.

Collect stamps & discover resin

Harz Hiking Badge.

A green wooden box on the cliff, a dull ‘clack’ in your hiking pass – and the next destination is already waiting. The Harz Hiking Pin turns every walk into a little journey of discovery and leads you to places you might otherwise never have found.

Here’s how the Harz Hiking Pin works:

Get a hiking pass: available from tourist information centres and the service centre in Blankenburg.

Collecting stamps: 222 stamp points are scattered throughout the Harz region – at viewpoints, mountain huts, inns and historic sites.

Earning badges: Bronze, Silver and Gold are available once you have collected 8 stamps; further ranks follow as your collection grows.

Become the ‘Hiking Emperor’: Anyone who has collected all 222 stamps will be awarded the coveted title of ‘Harz Hiking Emperor’.

In addition, there are themed booklets, such as those for the Harzer Hexenstieg or the Harzer Grenzweg, and even a special badge for dogs joining the hike. There are numerous stamp points within easy reach around Wernigerode and in the National Park.

A man and a woman are walking along a forest path in the Harz Mountains.

Seasons

When is the best time to go hiking in the Harz Mountains?

The traditional hiking season in the Harz Mountains runs from May to October. However, every season has its own charm – and its own trails.

Spring (April to May): The book trees are sprouting light-green leaves, and the streams are flowing freely. Ideal for the Steinerne Renne and the Ilse Valley.

Summer (June to August): Long days for extended walks. It stays pleasantly cool in the shady forest and on the Brocken.

Autumn (September to October): For many, the most beautiful time of year. Golden foliage, clear views into the distance and misty, mystical mornings over the moors.

Winter (November to March): Yes, you can go hiking in the Harz Mountains even in winter. Cleared winter hiking trails, snowshoe walks and a ride on the Brocken Railway through snow-covered forests make the cold season a special time of year.

The weather on the Brocken is harsher than in the valley. Even in summer, it’s worth packing a warm layer and checking the forecast.

Children & Dogs

Hiking in the Harz Mountains with children and a dog.

Little feet need short walks and big adventures. Four-legged friends need space to sniff around. The Harz offers both.

With children:

Stone Trail: breathtaking waterfalls and rocks, short stages with places to stop for refreshments

Harz Hiking Badge: Collecting stamps motivates even young hikers to tackle the next kilometre

Brockenbahn: A ride on the steam train is often the highlight of the day for children

Stalactite caves in Rübeland: Fascinating whatever the weather

With a dog:

Many of the trails around Wernigerode are ideal for long walks with your dog

Dogs must be kept on a lead in the Harz National Park – to protect wildlife and the natural environment

Your dog is very welcome at the A-ROSA Gothisches Haus (€20 per dog per night)

A holiday in the Harz Mountains with your dog

What do you need for hiking in the Harz Mountains?

Good preparation makes the journey easier. Here’s what you should pack in your rucksack:

Sturdy walking boots with grippy soles – many paths are stony and criss-crossed with roots
Layered clothing and a rain jacket: the weather on the Brocken changes quickly
A hiking map or offline app: you won’t always have a good signal
Plenty of water and provisions, especially on longer stretches
A ‘Harzer Wandernadel’ hiking pass for your stamps
Timetable for the Harz narrow-gauge railway, if you’re planning to travel there or back by train
Sun protection and a hat – it’s almost always windy at the summit

Exterior view, showing the terrace, of the A-ROSA Gothisches Haus in Wernigerode.

Hiking holidays in the Harz Mountains: your hotel in Wernigerode.

Half-timbered houses in the morning. Forest air at midday. A log fire in the evening.

The A-ROSA Gothische Haus Wernigerode is situated right on the historic market square, just next to the town hall. In the morning, you’ll lace up your walking boots on the cobbled streets; by afternoon, you’ll be standing on a cliff in the Harz Mountains. And when your legs start to feel heavy, a hotel steeped in history, warmth and indulgence awaits.

Highlights at the A-ROSA Gothisches Haus Wernigerode:

Right in the heart of the action: right on the market square, within walking distance of Wernigerode Castle and the old town

Starting point for your tours: the railway station where the Brockenbahn departs, around 2 km away; the Harz National Park is about a 15-minute drive away

Gothisches Haus Restaurant: Harz cuisine – authentic and refined – the only restaurant in Wernigerode to have been awarded the ‘Typisch Harz’ regional quality mark

Fireplace Bar: Signature cocktails by the crackling fire – the perfect way to round off a day’s hiking

SPA-ROSA for tired hikers’ legs: a spacious whirlpool, Finnish sauna, sauna complex, steam room, ice fountain, sensory showers and a relaxation room with heated loungers

Massages and treatments: gentle hands, natural essences, wraps and scrubs available to book

Book now Gothic House, Wernigerode

Current offers: ‘
’ at the A-ROSA Hotel Wernigerode.

Exterior view of the A-ROSA Gothisches Haus at night, right next to the town hall in Wernigerode.

A-ROSA Gothisches Haus Wernigerode

All offers on request and subject to availability. This is a limited contingent, depending on the offer plus single room, seasonal, weekend and public holiday surcharges.

Frequently asked questions about hiking in the Harz Mountains.

Where are the best places to go hiking in the Harz Mountains?

Among the most beautiful hiking destinations in the Harz Mountains are the Brocken, the Steinerne Renne near Wernigerode, the Ilse Valley, the Bode Valley near Thale and the Rappbode Dam. If you’d like to spend several days hiking, choose the Harzer Hexenstieg.

When is the best time to go hiking in the Harz Mountains?

The peak season runs from May to October. Autumn is particularly beautiful, with colourful forests and clear views into the distance. But spring and winter have their own charms too.

Is it possible to go hiking in the Harz Mountains in winter?

Yes. Many winter walking trails are cleared, and snowshoe tours are available around Schierke and Torfhaus. The Brockenbahn runs to the summit all year round.

Where in the Harz Mountains can you go hiking with children?

The Steinerne Renne, the Ilsetal and shorter walks around Wernigerode are all family-friendly. The Harz Hiking Badge and a ride on the steam train are extra treats for children.

How do I get to the Brocken on foot?

There are six signposted walking routes up to the Brocken; popular starting points include Schierke, Ilsenburg and Torfhaus. A convenient option is to walk up and take the Harz narrow-gauge railway back down.

What is the Harz Hiking Badge?

A stamp collection scheme with 222 stamp points throughout the Harz region. You can earn your first badge once you’ve collected 8 stamps; anyone who collects them all becomes the ‘Harz Hiking Champion’.

Can you go hiking on the Titan-RT suspension bridge?

Yes. There are walking trails around the Rappbode Dam that take you across the Titan-RT suspension bridge and the dam wall. You need a ticket to cross the bridge.

What do you need for hiking in the Harz Mountains?

Sturdy footwear, weatherproof clothing in layers, plenty of water, a map or offline app, and – for collectors – the Harz Hiking Badge.

Which town in the Harz Mountains is a good starting point for hiking?

Wernigerode is situated on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains, close to the national park and with a direct connection to the Brocken Railway. Many walks start right on the outskirts of the town.

Where can I go hiking and stay overnight in the Harz Mountains?

The A-ROSA Gothische Haus is situated in the heart of Wernigerode, on the market square. After your tour, you can look forward to Harz cuisine, the fireplace bar and the SPA-ROSA with its hot tub and sauna area.

About the A-ROSA Hotel Wernigerode

Are dogs welcome at the A-ROSA Gothisches Haus?

Yes, dogs are very welcome. There is a charge of €20 per dog per night.

Where do you want to go?