Hiking in the Harz Mountains: From the high moors to the summit of the Brocken

In early July, I went on a trip to the Harz Mountains—my first visit to this forested region in central Germany. I drove from Goslar toward the Harz Mountains. We managed to squeeze in our first lovely hike along the way.

Liebesbankweg: On the Way from Rammelsberg to Braunlage

After spending the morning at the Rammelsberg Mines in Goslar, I didn’t drive straight to Braunlage, but took a detour via Clausthal-Zellerfeld (the B241) toward Hahnenklee. That’s where the Liebesbankweg is located—a roughly seven-kilometer loop trail around the Bocksberg, featuring 25 love benches and art installations along the route.

The route takes you chronologically past benches with names such as “first rendezvous” all the way to the “diamond wedding,” following in part the course of the Oberharzer Wasserwirtschaft, past a number of ponds and dams from that historic water management system.

It’s not a strenuous hike, but rather a collection of little stories along the way, with the occasional bench to sit down on for a moment. It’s just right as a stopover on a day when you’re already driving from one side of the Harz Mountains to the other.

The trail opened in 2007 and was, at the time, the first Premium Hiking Trail in the entire Harz region and Lower Saxony to be certified by the Deutsches Wanderinstitut, so this isn’t just any old local trail.

Torfhausmoor: A First Look

Torfhaus is the starting point for most of my hikes, and the raised bog area near the village was my first stop. A boardwalk cuts right through the marsh, with the Brocken visible in the distance whenever the fog clears. Short, accessible, and immediately a lesson in how slowly and vulnerably raised bogs recover. You can read the story behind this landscape—including what the biologist who guided us had to say about it—in the separate article on Harz National Park. Here, I’m mainly focused on the hike itself.

Harzturm: a little higher for the view

Near Torfhaus stands the Harzturm, an impressive observation tower that takes about ten minutes to climb (there’s also an elevator) and offers a view of a large part of the national park on a clear day. The Skywalk is a bit nerve-wracking if you’re afraid of heights, but it does offer some beautiful views.

Personally, I found the building particularly interesting from an architectural standpoint. Two Austrian architects (Dietmar Kaden and Markus Lackner) designed the iconic wooden structure; it resembles a twisted, hollow tree trunk and is inspired by the shape of a spruce cone that has been pried open. At the top of the 65-meter-tall tower, you’re at the highest point of the Harz Mountains: over 800 meters. For thrill seekers: you can ride down on a mat via the circular slide around the building (reaching speeds of up to about 25 km per hour). I found the skywalk to be quite a challenge as well, but it was spectacular.

It’s not really a hike in itself, but it’s a stop worth making if you’re already in the area. The adjacent visitor center is also worth a visit. You’ll have to pay for parking (the first hour is free with your Harzturm ticket) and for admission to the Harzturm (about €13.90 for adults).

Lunch at the nearby Restaurant Wienerwald was delicious, and you can enjoy a cozy meal both indoors and outdoors right along the edge of the walking trail.

Oderteich: A Walk Around Germany’s Oldest Reservoir

The Oderteich, located about seven kilometers northeast of Sankt Andreasberg, was constructed between 1715 and 1722 by miners from Sankt Andreasberg and was Germany’s largest dam until the end of the nineteenth century. Together with the rest of the Oberharz Water Management System, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2010.

The loop around the lake is about four kilometers long, with only one trail, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. Dead spruce trees, young forest, boardwalks, and little bridges over babbling water alternate along the way. The water is brown in color due to the heathlands where the Oder River has its source (not because of pollution). A section of the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg runs along the eastern shore, so you’ll sometimes share the trail with hikers who are on a much longer trek.

Insider Hiking Tips from a Biologist

At Torfhausmoor, we joined a national park biologist on a hike, and afterward he gave us a list of trails that go beyond the well-known classics around Torfhaus and the Brocken:

• Eckertal: along the former German-German border, with the Eckertalsperre as a landmark. The area lies half in Lower Saxony and half in Saxony-Anhalt and feels wilder than most of the routes further along.
• Märchenweg: the Fairy Tale Trail named after the fairy tales and legends that abound in the Harz Mountains. Starting from Torfhaus.
• Magdeburger Weg (about 10 km): steep, but quiet. Few other hikers.
• Harzer-Hexen-Stieg (Hexenstieg): 97 kilometers from Osterode am Harz to Thale, divided into five stages. Too long for a single day, but perfect for picking out a few stages.

For these four, please check the current signage on-site; the trails in the park are being adjusted.

By bike: e-mountain bike at the Brocken

I didn’t hike the Brocken myself, but I had a constant view of the mountain while riding the B1 Höhenfieber route on an e-mountain bike. This beautiful route (mostly through a ski resort) runs through the higher parts of the Harz Mountains, close to the former border, and passes the two highest peaks of the western Harz Mountains. Short detours to the Wurmberg and the Achtermannshöhe (the latter on foot) are well worth it, as is the Hahnenkleeklippe with its view of the Oder Valley.

The short trail sections don’t require any special technique, which is especially noticeable on an e-bike: it’s mainly about gaining elevation, not a test of agility.

Physically demanding, but not technically challenging. A single route that takes in several of the mountain range’s highlights. More efficient than hiking if you’re short on time but still want to see a lot.

An alternative route is the B2 Achtermann. And in any case, Braunlage is a paradise for cyclists and mountain bikers. There are plenty of options for everyone from beginners to die-hard enthusiasts. I rented the e-mountain bike from Linus Bikes in Braunlage.

Staying Overnight in the Harz: Braunlage, More Than Just a Ski Resort

My base for this trip was Braunlage, a village that looks small on the map but offers access to just about every significant trail in the western Harz Mountains within a quarter of an hour. The village feels a bit deserted at this time of year, but it got a little busier as the weekend approached. In the center of the village is a beautifully landscaped park with a pond.

I stayed at Berg & Tal, a great hotel with rooms and apartments right in the center of the village, and from there I could set out on any hike or bike ride without having to drive long distances. That was convenient, because in the Harz Mountains, the difference between a good day and a so-so day often comes down to how early you arrive at the starting point.

Restaurant recommendations in Braunlage: Altes Forsthaus and Harzer Spezialitäten & Brotzeitstube Puppe’s for local meat and cheese specialties

Hiking in the Harz Mountains on the map

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in the Harz Mountains

What is the best hike in the Harz Mountains for beginners?

The loop around the Oderteich: about four kilometers, a single trail, no fitness requirements, and yet a varied landscape.

Can you climb the Brocken on foot?

Yes, there are several trails leading to the summit, including one from Torfhaus. Plan on a full day and expect changeable weather at the top.

Can you also go biking in the Harz instead of hiking?

Absolutely. The B1 Höhenfieber combines the highest peaks of the western Harz Mountains into a single tour, which is also manageable on an e-mountain bike.

How far is the Harz from the Netherlands?

From Utrecht, it is about 485 kilometers to Braunlage in the Harz Mountains.