Hiking in the Harz Mountains is particularly popular with all age groups thanks to its diverse hiking routes with varying levels of difficulty, offering everything for a perfect hiking experience.
Where every step tells a new story!
Imagine yourself standing on a gentle rise, surrounded by the rustling leaves of ancient beech forests. The morning sun breaks through the dense greenery, bathing everything in a soft, golden light. With each breath, your lungs fill with the air of the resin, and you feel the tranquility of this place revive your senses.
Ahead of you stretch paths leading through particularly impressive landscapes. Whether you hike along the mystical Devil's Wall, which fascinates with its bizarre rock formations, or discover the hidden paths that lead to the rushing Ilse Falls – every path promises a small adventure.
High atop the mountain peaks, a panorama unfolds before you that is second to none: sweeping views across densely wooded hills to the summit of the Brocken, which rises majestically into the sky. Here, in the heart of the Harz Mountains, you will feel free and unconstrained, ready to explore the secrets and wonders of this verdant world.
As you wander through the picturesque landscapes, you'll notice how every bend in the path promises a new discovery. Experience our beautiful region on a hike and relax in our lovely castle hotel! Here you'll find the perfect starting point for an unforgettable hiking experience, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. From scenic trails to challenging climbs, the Harz Mountains offer fascinating insights into their unique natural beauty in every season.
Why the Harz Mountains should be your next hiking destination
Health and well-being: Hiking not only improves your physical fitness, but also your mental well-being.
Variety of routes: The well-signposted network of paths in the Harz Mountains includes numerous trails, among them many circular hiking routes with exciting stages.
Accessibility and flexibility: Many routes are ideal for short breaks or weekend trips.
Cultural and natural highlights: Discover the geological features such as the Devil's Wall or the mystical Ilse Falls.
(Length 13 or 26 km / Duration approximately 3 or 6 hours)
Starting directly at the Schlosshotel Blankenburg, you leave the town via Weinbergstraße (through the underpass) heading north towards Regenstein Castle and Fortress. There, you can learn about the history of the historic walls at the open-air museum. The route continues towards Langenstein. The destination is the Langenstein cave dwellings on Schäferberg, which arose due to an extreme housing shortage. Some of the rock caves were used as regular dwellings until the 20th century. The cave dwellings can be visited by prior arrangement.
After a short break in one of the nice cafes, the return journey to Blankenburg can begin.
(Length approx. 10 km / Duration approx. 3-4 hours)
The Bodetal Kniffel Trail is particularly well-suited for families with children for a day trip. The trail follows the Bode River past Wendefurth, through Altenbrak, and on to Treseburg (approximately 10 kilometers). Alternatively, you can park your car in Altenbrak and hike in either direction (approximately 5 kilometers each way).
At the tourist information office in Altenbrak, young hikers can pick up a map and a questionnaire. Information panels along the route help answer the questions. Those who answer all the questions correctly can even look forward to a small surprise.
The legendary Brocken , at 1.141 meters the highest peak in the Harz Mountains, can also be reached via exciting hiking trails. The journey there or back on the Brocken Railway is a special experience. A popular hiking trail to the "Blocksberg" (as the Brocken is affectionately known) is the 14-kilometer Eckerlochstieg. From Schierke, you hike through the Harz National Park, past the Eckerloch gorge, up to the summit, and back down via the Kabelgraben ravine. Schierke is about 45 minutes from Blankenburg by car. Parking is available, for example, at "Am Thälchen" on Brockenstraße. The starting point in Schierke can also be reached by public transport (HEX HarzElbeExpress and from Wernigerode onwards by the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway).
(Köhlerpfad section length: 24 km / duration 5,5 hours)
The premium hiking trail from Osterode via the Brocken to Thale has been certified as a quality trail by the German Hiking Association. We recommend the Charcoal Burners' Trail stage (Königshütte – Rappbode Dam – Trageburg Ruins – Großes Mühlental – Hassel Pre-Dam – Hagenmühle – Hasselfelde – Charcoal Burners' Educational Trail – Stemberghaus / Charcoal Burners' Museum – Altenbrak).
The starting and ending point of the charcoal burner's trail can be reached by car (approx. 20-30 minutes driving time from Schlosshotel Blankenburg). Alternatively, the starting point Königshütte as well as the destination Altenbrak can be reached by public transport, so you can easily travel by bus to/from Blankenburg.
Those who prefer to leave their car at the hotel can easily hike to the monastery. It's less than 5 km from the castle hotel to Michaelstein Monastery on the Goldbach stream, where the path begins. The trail leads past fish ponds and the Mönchemühle, Birkentalmühle, Goldbacher Mühle, and Regensteinsmühle mills to the legendary Regenstein rock castle. Here you can enjoy a first-class view of the Brocken mountain on one side and the northern Harz foothills on the other.
The official hiking trail begins in Thale and leads to the city center of Goslar (total length 84 km). We recommend that our guests join the Monastery Trail in Blankenburg. For example, hike from the Blankenburg Castle Hotel towards Michaelstein Monastery and St. Bartholomew's Church in Blankenburg, continuing to Wendhausen Monastery in Thale (the official start and end point of the Monastery Trail). Alternatively, you can start in Wernigerode at Himmelpforten Monastery and take you back to Blankenburg via Michaelstein Monastery.
(Stage 5 from Gernrode / Length: 14 km / Duration: 4 hours)
We recommend the 5th stage of the Selke Valley Trail (Gernrode – Bad Suderode – Quarmbeck – Quedlinburg), a 14-kilometer hike. This scenic route through the Lower Harz Mountains leads past Falkenstein Castle from Stiege, through Gernrode and Alexisbad, to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Quedlinburg. Consider using the historic Selke Valley Railway for sections of the hike or for your return journey.
Gernrode is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. The historic Selke Valley Railway runs between Gernrode and Quedlinburg, allowing you to conveniently return to the parking lot by train. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Gernrode. From Quedlinburg, the HEX HarzElbeExpress train will also take you back to Blankenburg.
(Length 7 km / Duration approx. 2 hours, circular hike, can be extended)
Not far from the Blankenburg Castle Hotel lies the so-called Devil's Wall – a sandstone formation approximately 20 km long, stretching from Ballenstedt to Blankenburg. The legends and myths surrounding the wall were even mentioned by the Brothers Grimm in their tales, and it also served as a backdrop for films such as "The Pope Joan" and "The Physician." The striking Grandfather Rock is the landmark of Blankenburg and rises almost 320 meters above sea level. At sunset, simply enjoy the wonderful view of the town and the Harz foothills. The hike can be continued, if desired, to the Sautrog (a local landmark) or the Gewittergrotte (a rock formation) near Timmerrode. The return journey leads along a pleasant forest path past the Helsunger Krug, a popular restaurant with a beer garden.
A romantic hike through the Bode Valley and a challenging rock climb in one. Free parking is available in Thale ( cable car parking lot: Parkstraße 1 and Rosstrappe parking lot: Rosstrappe 1).
On the 7-kilometer trail from the valley station in Thale, you hike alongside the babbling Bode River through the forest, past the Goethe Rock and the Maiden's Bridge below the Rosstrappe rock formation, up to the La Vieres Heights. Passing the Hexentanzplatz (Witches' Dance Floor), the trail descends back to Thale via the winding Sachsenwallweg path. A ride on the chairlift to the Rosstrappe is a special experience and offers breathtaking views. The starting point can be reached by car from Blankenburg in about 15 minutes. Thale is also easily accessible from Blankenburg via the HEX HarzElbeExpress train.
(Length approx. 13 km / Duration approx. 3-4 hours)
The wildly romantic Ilse Valley, with its stunning natural scenery, is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the Harz Mountains. This wonderful forest hike, with its sometimes root-covered and rocky paths, requires sturdy footwear. The cascading Ilse Falls are a particularly impressive sight in the Ilse Valley.
The circular hike starts at the Ilsetal National Park House and follows the Heinrich Heine Trail along the Ilse River, past impressive cliffs and rock formations, the famous Ilse Falls, through imposing beech forests and the forest development area to the Plessenburg National Park Forest Inn. The return route leads via the Paternoster Cliff with its panoramic views and the Ilsestein rock formation. Refreshments are available at the Plessenburg National Park Forest Inn.
Tips for places to stop for refreshments during your hike
Hiking map material with route suggestions and insider tips
Contact with local hiking guides
Cleaning options for your hiking boots
Public transport timetables
Information on the most beautiful sights and destinations
current weather information
Tips for alternatives in adverse weather conditions
We proudly present: The quality seal “Wanderbares Deutschland” (Hikeable Germany)
The Schlosshotel Blankenburg is not only your ideal starting point for hikes in the Harz Mountains, but also a certified quality host of "Wanderbares Deutschland" (Hiking in Germany). Since June 2013, we have held this prestigious seal, awarded by the German Hiking Association. This distinction stands for excellent quality in the hiking experience, well-marked trails, first-class hospitality, and comprehensive service specifically tailored to the needs of hikers.
Harz Hiking Badge – Your hiking adventure starts here!
The Harz Hiking Badge is not just an incentive to hike, but a truly successful concept that has been guiding hikers through the beautiful landscapes of Saxony-Anhalt, Lower Saxony, and Thuringia since 2005. Equipped with a hiking passport, you can explore 222 marked stamping stations in one of Germany's most charming regions.
At every point, from majestic peaks like the Brocken to hidden forest inns and historic castle ruins, you leave your mark and collect stamps that lead to unique hiking badges. With 8, 16, 24, and 50 stamps, you earn the bronze, silver, and gold hiking pins, as well as the title of "Harz Hiking King." For the truly ambitious, the title of "Harz Hiking Emperor" awaits after collecting all 222 stamps.
The joy of discovery doesn't end here: The "Harz Hiking Badge" app brings digital convenience to your hiking experience, with access to maps and exciting route planning options. Whether you leisurely collect badges over several years or tackle the stamping stations as a "Turbo Hiking Emperor" within 21 days, your adventure in the Harz Mountains is guaranteed to be unforgettable. Materials for your hiking tours are available at the service office in Blankenburg or at all participating tourist information centers.
And the best part? We have our own special stamping station for the Harz Hiking Badge right here at the Blankenburg Castle Hotel! When will you get your stamp?
Stamp booklets are available directly from our reception – please feel free to ask us.
Enjoy 4 nights, pay for only 3! When you book 4 nights directly through our website, we'll give you one night free. Offer subject to availability. GET INFORMATION & BOOK NOW!
