Osterode am Harz

Logo Harzer HexenStieg © Harzer Tourismusverband   Anzeige in Originalgröße 62 KB - 200 x 200

The Harzer Hexen-Stieg is just one of the many highlights for hikers. The 94km long Harzer Hexen-Stieg leads through the northernmost mountain range of Germany. It is one of the top "10" long distance trails in Germany. From Osterode am Harz via the Brocken through the Bode Gorge and finally up to Thale, one passes through a cross-section of the varied history of the Harz.

There are no fixed stages on this family-friendly trail. The day sections can be chosen individually depending on your stamina and fitness. However, to give an approximate orientation, we have divided the way for you in 6 stages. 

1.    Stage - 11.6km
Osterode am Harz - Buntenbock
On ancient mule tracks: From the edge of the Harz up to the Upper Harz

2.    Stage - 21.4km
Buntenbock - Clausthal-Zellerfeld - Altenau - Torfhaus
Upper Harz mining history: The Upper Harz Water Management with its ponds and ditches bordering our path.

3.    Stage - Brocken - 19.5km
Torfhaus - Brocken- Schierke - Drei Annen Hohne
Legendary mountain wilderness: The Harz National Park and the highest point - the Brocken.

4.    Stage - Brocken bypass - 38.1km
Torfhaus - St. Andreasberg - Braunlage - Königshütte
Exciting alternative: The Brocken bypass is not the second choice.

5.    Stage - ca. 28km
To the Rappbode Dam
The Northern route: Drei Annen Hohne - Königshütte - Altenbrak (28.8 km)
The Southern route: Drei Annen Hohne - Königshütte - Hasselfelde - Altenbrak (28.1 km)

6.    Stage - 13.5km
Altenbrak - Treseburg - Thale
The Bodetal: A scenic highlight - the most rugged, rocky valley north of the Alps

Wegverlauf © Harzer Tourismusverband   Anzeige in Originalgröße 49 KB - 750 x 276

Höhenmeter © Harzer Verkehrsverbandes e.V. und Harzclubs e.V.   Anzeige in Originalgröße 12 KB - 600 x 240

Accommodation

Along the way there are many places that provide accommodation and refreshments. For your individual planning we have put together a small list of companies [Download]. More on German.

For more advice, tips and suggestions the team at the tourist information are happy to help.

Get maps at the tourist information.

The "Harzer-Försterstieg" trail was established in 2010  and at 60km long it passes through the Upper Harz Water Management, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in the Harz. The trail starts from the old imperial city of Goslar, directly to the small National Park Resort, Riefensbeek Kamschlacken at Osterode. The trail passes three dams located in the Harz: Grane Dam, Innerste Dam and Söse Dam.  

Logo Försterstieg © Harzklub   Anzeige in Originalgröße 60 KB - 200 x 200 The Harzer Försterstieg is an important long-distance trail, which shows the variety of landscapes, the different forest structures as well as the cultural and historical peculiarities of the western Harz. Over 60 kilometres, the trail connects the old imperial city of Goslar with the mountain village of Riefensbeek Kamschlacken in Osterode am Harz.

This route takes in three dams; the Grane Dam, the Innerste Dam and the Söse Dam and offers the hiker wonderful views into the valleys of the Harz foothills and up to the Brocken.

The trail links many other nature paths and museums, as well as the pond and ditch system of the World Heritage Upper Harz Water Management on the plateaus of Clausthal-Zellerfeld. Information boards explain the special features of the Harzer Försterstieg and the work of the, Lower Saxony Forestry Commission, who are responsible for the conversion of the spruce stock that evolved from the mining to a species-rich forest. This structural change - the increasing substitution of spruce trees, to beech and mixed forests - is already visible along many stages of the trail.

You will find detailed information and directions in our brochure or see:  www.försterstieg.de

Accommodation 

Along the way there are many places that provide accommodation and refreshments. For your individual planning we have put together a small list of companies [Download]. More on German.

For more advice, tips and suggestions the team at the tourist information are happy to help.

Get maps at the tourist Information.