The current situation due to the spread of the nowel Corona Virus is unprecedented and a great challenge for us, but we are ready to face it, because we know: Every crisis will be over one day and then our guests will feel like going on holiday again. We look forward to being there for you then again, and to organising unforgettable cycling and walking trips for you in the future! Instead of cancelling your active tour now, please see travel bookings you have already made as an investment in the future: We will be happy to rescedule booked trips starting until 31/05/2020 to a later date of arrival or issue the value as a voucher. Of course, we also continue to accept new bookings with travel dates from June 2020 onwards! Please click here for the latest news about our cycling and walking tours.
Overwiev of all hiking tour offers in the Harz Mountains
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[id] => 529
[title] => Along the Harz Witches Trail incl. Brocken ascent
[titleTag] => Harz Witches Trail incl. Brocken ascent
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[metadesc] => Looking for organised walking holidays incl. luggage transfer in the Harz Mountains? Have a look at our walking tour along the Harz Witches Trail.
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[menuName] => Harz Witches Trail: Osterode - Thale
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[catid] => 123
[language] => en-GB
[dauer] => 8 days/ 7 nights
[tage] => 8
[laenge] => 105
[schwierigkeitsgrad] => 3
[von] => 2017-04-01
[bis] => 2017-10-31
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One of the most beautiful and popular hiking regions – the Harz Mountains – is located right in the middle of Germany. Famous medieval towns with half-timbered houses make a fascinating cultural contrast to the mystic forests of the Harz Mountains. Already back in medieval times, the region had advanced into a hiking paradise due to well-signposted hiking routes thousands of kilometres in length.
One of the most famous hiking trails of the Harz region is the Harz Witches Trail. This trail leads you from West to East, crossing the entire Harz Mountains and winding 100 kilometres on old trade trails through the upper Harz region. Along the way, you will also climb the highest mountain peak of the area – the "Brocken". For the third time, the Harz Witches Trail has received the certificate "quality trail" by the German Hiking Association in 2014.
Our 24/7-service Please note that English may not be spoken in every hotel and guesthouse along the Harz Witches Trail. In case of comprehension problems you can always contact us by calling our 24/7 hotline and we will be happy to resolve your problems, misunderstandings or complaints.
Travel options to start the tour "Harz Witches Trail incl. Brocken" Whether you arrive by car, plane or train, we would like to facilitate the planning of your hiking tour along the Harz Witches Trail from Osterode to Thale. Therefore we have gathered information about our most important destinations for you.
It is possible to book this hiking tour from Osterode to Thale accompanied by your dog. We are happy to request dog-friendly accommodation for you. Please ask us for an individual offer and let us know the size and breed of dog.
Please note: Additional costs for your dog (e.g. for public transport or in the accommodations) are not included in the tour price and have to be paid on site.
Your rating of this hiking tour along the Harz Witches Trail
Please feel free to send us your guest rating Have you done a walking tour along the Harz Witches Trail and would like to give us a rating? Please feel free to send it to us via email to aktiv@augustustours.de or rate for these walking holidays from Osterode to Thale in the tab "Tour ratings" of this tour information. We are also looking forward to receiving pictures from your walking holidays in the Harz Mountains!
Special offers for hiking groups You wish to take walking holidays with friends, in a private group, with your club or as a work outing? In particular for groups, we offer special hiking tours through the Harz Mountains. Do not hesitate to ask us for additional information regarding our special group offers.
This walking trip is not recommendable for travellers with mobility impairments.
[ettappen] =>
Day 1: Individual arrival in Osterode Surrounded by the well maintained city walls, the historic center of Osterode offers a beautiful setting for a leisurely stay with coffee and cake. In the old town of Osterode you find the historic market square, many half-timbered houses, churches and a pedestrianized area.
Day 2: Osterode – Clausthal-Zellerfeld (approx. 16 km, walking time: approx. 4 hrs) Today, you start your hike uphill along the Harz Witches Trail following old trade routes, where you can see the first parts of the "Oberharzer Wasserregal". This water system, which has been established in the 16th century, serves to detour and store water. You then reach the university city of Clausthal-Zellerfeld and can visit Germany’s largest church, the Marktkirche zum Heiligen Geist.
Day 3: Clausthal-Zellerfeld – Altenau (approx. 17 km, walking time: approx. 5 hrs) Leaving Clausthal-Zellerfeld, a town in the mountains, you mainly walk along forest paths and narrow trails without descending or ascending significantly and follow the fascinating dyke ditch of this region. Passing the chaly beate spring the Harz Witches Trail will then reach the city of Altenau with its herb park.
Day 4: Altenau – Brocken (approx. 20 km, walking time: approx. 6 hrs) Today, as the highlight of your walking holidays, you will climb up to Harz’ highest mountain taking the Goethe Trail. The trail, which is named after the German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (who – by the way – undertook many trips to this region), leads you through the upland moor and up the mountain peak of the Brocken Mountain, which is located in the center of the Harz National Park. If the weather is on your side, the magnificent view of the Harz Mountains will compensate for the challenging ascent. After enjoying some refreshment on the plateau, you will then start the more comfortable part of the day. The Harz narrow-gauge railway with its steam engine brings you down numerous curves until you reach the train station of Schierke.
Day 5: Schierke – Rübeland (approx. 21 km, walking time: approx. 6 hrs) On the 5th day of your walking holidays along the Harz Witches Trail, you pass the "Trudenstein" mountain, which has a beautiful distant view in store for you. You then hike downhill to reach the waterfall in Königshütte. Afterwards, you follow the Bode river where you can recognize the landscape changes because of the limestone quarries that are still used today. Hiking through Tiefenbachtal you can enjoy a fantastic view on your milestone Rübeland with its worth seeing stalactite caves from the viewpoint Hoher Kleef.
Day 6: Rübeland – Treseburg (approx. 20 km, walking time: approx. 5.5 hrs) In today’s section of the Harz Witches Trail you wander along idyllic forest – and meadow paths through the area of "old mining" with its numerous geological features. You walk along the Bode river following small, wide and high paths. Passing the dam in Wendefurth, you reach the town of Treseburg.
Day 7: Treseburg – Thale (approx. 10 km, walking time: approx. 3 hrs) During the last day of your walking holidays, you hike through the Bodetal, which steeped in legends. High granite rocks line along the small path at the river. Your today’s destination is Thale. For a nice ending of your tour, we recommend you visit either the fairy ring or the granite rock "Rosstrappe2. From your hiking destination Thale you reach Quedlinburg within very short time via train or bus. There, you can alternatively stay overnight.
Day 8: Individual departure Take your time to review your memories of the journey along the Harz Witches Trail before departure. You have the possibility to prolong your walking holidays with some additional nights, e.g. in Quedlinburg or other towns along the Harz Witches Trail from Osterode to Thale. We will gladly book further overnight stays for you so please do not hesitate to ask us!
This walking trip is not recommendable for travellers with mobility impairments.
[preisinfo] =>
Preisinfo (nur fuer Gruppen und Weinreisen)
[services] =>
Welcome surprise
7x overnight stays in hotels and guesthouses with 3-star-standard
7x continental breakfast
Luggage transfer from accommodation to accommodation during your walking tours
GPS data on request
1 package with maps and information material per room (in English language)
24-hours-service-hotline during your walking holidays
Bookable value-added services for these walking tours along the Harz Witches Trail
Please feel free to add the following value-added services to the basic travel package to personalize your walking holidays throughout the Harz Mountains:
Additional nights at every overnight location according to the tour description as well as in Quedlinburg or Wernigerode
Prices of these value-added services are detailed under the tab "Quotes".
Further advice on this walking tour in the Harz Mountains
Please note that in certain cities along the walking route from Wernigerode to Quedlinburg compulsory city, tourist or occupancy taxes are required to be paid. Unless otherwise indicated, these taxes are not included in our prices and have to be paid directly to the hotel.
This walking trip is not recommendable for travellers with mobility impairments.
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[id] => 530
[title] => Walking in the Harz Mountains: Wernigerode – Quedlinburg
[titleTag] => Wernigerode - Quedlinburg
[metakeywords] =>
[metadesc] => Looking for organised walking holidays incl. luggage transfer in the Harz Mountains? Have a look at our walking tour from Wernigerode to Quedlinburg.
[alias] => wernigerode-quedlinburg
[menuName] => Harz Mountains: Wernigerode – Quedlinburg
[buchbar] => 1
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[catid] => 123
[language] => en-GB
[dauer] => 7 days/ 6 nights
[tage] => 7
[laenge] => 55
[schwierigkeitsgrad] => 3
[von] => 2017-04-01
[bis] => 2017-10-31
[zusatz_datum] =>
[min_pers] => 1
[max_pers] => 0
[pauschalpreis] => 469
[ezz] => 140.00
[ab_preis] => 469
[infos] =>
One of the most beautiful and popular hiking regions – the Harz Mountains – is located right in the middle of Germany. Famous medieval towns with half-timbered houses as e.g. Quedlinburg, Wernigerode and Goslar make a fascinating cultural contrast to the mystic forests in the "green heart of Germany" as the Harz Mountains are called as well.
One of the most famous hiking trails of the Harz region is the Harz Witches Trail that winds 100 kilometres on old trade trails through the upper Harz region. Get to know the Eastern part of the Harz Witches Trail while undertaking this versatile and promising hiking tour from Wernigerode to Quedlinburg.
Right at the beginning of your walking holidays, the colourful town of Wernigerode awaits you. Furthermore, you will be excited taking a ride with the venerable Harz narrow-gauge railway up to the Brocken Mountain. On all stages of your hike in the Harz National Park, you get to enjoy the view on blooming mountain meadows and natural forests. Your travel destination is the UNESCO World Heritage City of Quedlinburg.
Please note that English may not be spoken in every hotel and guesthouse along the Harz Witches Trail. In case of comprehension problems you can always contact us by calling our 24/7 hotline and we will be happy to assist.
Travel options to start the tour Wernigerode – Quedlinburg
Whether you arrive by car, plane or train, we would like to facilitate the planning of your hiking tour to the Harz Mountains. Therefore we have gathered information about our most important destinations for you.
Your rating of this hiking tour throughout the Harz Mountains
Please feel free to send us your guest rating Have you done a walking tour along the Harz Witches Trail and would like to give us a rating? Please feel free to send it to us via email to aktiv@augustustours.de or rate for this walking tour from Wernigerode to Quedlinburg in the tab "Tour ratings" of this tour information. We are also looking forward to receiving pictures from your walking holidays in the Harz Mountains!
It is possible to book this hiking tour from Wernigerode to Thale/Quedlinburg accompanied by your dog. We are happy to request dog-friendly accommodation for you. Please ask us for an individual offer and let us know the size and breed of dog.
Please note: Additional costs for your dog (e.g. for public transport or in the accommodations) are not included in the tour price and have to be paid on site.
Special offers for hiking groups You wish to take walking holidays with friends, in a private group, with your club or as a work outing? In particular for groups, we offer special hiking tours through the Harz Mountains. Do not hesitate to ask us for additional information regarding our special group offers.
This walking trip is not recommendable for travellers with mobility impairments.
[ettappen] =>
Day 1: Individual journey to Wernigerode After arrival, you can stroll around the contorted alleys of Wernigerode. Small half-timbered houses, one of Germany’s most beautiful town halls and a castle above the city wait to be explored by you. Via narrow-gauge railway, you reach castle hill very comfortably (costs not included). From here, you can enjoy the magnificent view over town.
Day 2: Brocken Mountain – Schierke (approx. 10 km, walking time: approx. 3 hrs) Today’s initial highlight is the ride with the Harz narrow-gauge railway with its nostalgic charm. If the weather is good, you can enjoy a fantastic view over the countryside from the highest mountain of Northern Germany. Alighting the Brocken on Harz Witches Trail slowly, you pass the granite rock formation Trudenstein and experience beautiful sight.
Day 3: Schierke – Rübeland (approx. 21 km, walking time: approx. 6 hrs) Today’s hiking stage through the Harz Mountains takes you downhill to Könighshütter Waterfall. Now, you encounter the Bode creek and new scenery appears – limestone mining above ground, which is still operated today. You can enjoy a magnificent view of today’s stage designation Rübeland from viewpoint Hoher Kleef. Later on you should not miss out on Rübeland’s worth seeing limestone caves.
Day 4: Rübeland – Altenbrak (approx. 15 km, walking time: approx. 4,5 hrs) In today’s section of the Harz Witches Trail you wander along idyllic forest – and meadow paths through the area of "old mining" with its numerous geological features. You walk along the Bode river following small, wide and high paths. Passing the dam in Wendefurth, you will reach the first foothills of the beautiful Bodetal.
Day 5: Altenbrak – Thale (approx. 14 km, walking time: approx. 4 hrs) On your last day of your hiking journey through the Harz Mountains, you wander through the "Grand Canyon of Germany" – the Bodetal – with its towering granite rocks. While wandering on narrow paths, you will be delighted by unique rock ravines. Via devil’s bridge, you reach Thale where you will spend the night. It is especially known for its the legendary fairy ring and striking granite rock of Rosstrappe – both to be reached easily via cable car (costs not included).
Day 6: Train ride from Thale to Quedlinburg Within minutes you reach your journey’s final destination Quedlinburg via train. After you have arrived in this medieval town, you stroll through the alleys and will be delighted by numerous artistic and rustic half-timbered houses. Especially worth seeing is the Romanesque monastery church St. Servatius on castle hill – one of the most meaningful buildings of the Romantic period – and the town’s historic district with its pretty town hall. You will spend the night in this UNESCO World Heritage City.
Day 7: Individual departure After a delicious breakfast and with lots of wonderful memories about Wernigerode, Quedlinburg and your hiking tours through the Harz Mountains, you will start your journey back home. Please feel free to ask us for spending some additional nights in Wernigerode, Quedlinburg or other towns along the Harz Witches Trail from Wernigerode to Quedlinburg.
This walking trip is not recommendable for travellers with mobility impairments.
[preisinfo] =>
Preisinfo (nur fuer Gruppen und Weinreisen)
[services] =>
Welcome surprise
6x overnight stays in hotels and guesthouses with 3-star-standard
6x continental breakfast
Train ticket from Thale to Quedlinburg
Luggage transfer from accommodation to accommodation during your walking tours
GPS data on request
1 package with maps and information material per room (in English language)
24-hours-service-hotline during your walking holidays
Bookable value-added services for the walking tour Wernigerode – Quedlinburg
Please feel free to add the following value-added services to the basic travel package to personalize your walking holidays from Wernigerode to Quedlinburg:
Additional nights at every overnight location according to the tour description
Transfer services from Quedlinburg to Wernigerode (more about our transfer services)
Prices of these value-added services are detailed under the tab "Quotes".
Further advice on this walking tour in the Harz Mountains
Please note that in certain cities along the walking route from Wernigerode to Quedlinburg compulsory city, tourist or occupancy taxes are required to be paid. Unless otherwise indicated, these taxes are not included in our prices and have to be paid directly to the hotel.
This walking trip is not recommendable for travellers with mobility impairments.
More information about our walking holidays in the Harz Mountains
In the footsteps of witches through the mystic Harz Mountains!
Smack-bang in the middle of Germany one can find one of the most famous hiking regions of Germany: the Harz Mountains. The Harz National Park stretches over 10 percent of the total area of the Harz Mountains and encircles the 1,141 meter high Brocken, the highest mountain in northern Germany. Across the states of Lower Saxony and Saxony Anhalt a primeval forest has emerged again.
The magic of the Harz National Park lies hidden in the "Green heart of Germany" for you to discover. Rugged granite cliffs, mountain pines, misty moors and deep valleys with babbling brooks are some of the characteristics of the Harz Mountains. Hiking and mountain bike trails wind through dense forests and lead to high mountain peaks. Rivers and lakes provide ideal places to cool down on hot summer days.
Further information about the Harz Witches' Trail
One of the most famous hiking trails in the Harz Mountains is the Harz Witches' Trail (Harzer Hexen Stieg), which winds 100 kilometres (approx. 60 miles) on old trade trails through the upper Harz region. The Harz Witches' Trail is generally well signposted with a white symbol of a witch, painted on painted on tree trunks or indicated on signs. For the third time, the Harz Witches Trail has received the certificate "quality trail" by the German Hiking Association in 2014.
The Harz Witches Trail leads you from West to East, crossing the entire Harz Mountains. It starts in the medieval half-timbered town of Osterode, which lies between the barrier lake "Sösestausee", the mountain formation "Südharzer Karstgebirge" and the sunny valley "Lerbachtal" in the southern part of the Harz. Along the way, it furthermore passes the former mining region of the area and numerous ponds and ditches that belong to the so-called "Oberharzer Wasserregal". Moreover, the Harz Witches Trail leads hikers through upland moor, the preserved region of the Harz Mountains and even up to the highest mountain peak of the area – the "Brocken Mountain". Finally, the hiking trail finds it end in Thale, a town in Saxony-Anhalt, which is famous for its fairy ring and lovely Bodetal.
Famous cities of the Harz Mountains
Wernigerode can be the starting point of your walking holidays through the Harz Mountains. The often called "Bunte Stadt am Harz", which means "the colourful town in the Harz foothills", lies in the northern part of the Harz Mountains. Get to know the very special charms of this beautiful city: In an unparalleled fascination and variety, splendid timber-framed houses dating back to the 15th century compete for the observer's attention.
In Quedlinburg you will achieve the end of your walking holidays through the Harz Mountains. The 1,000-year-old town lies at the north-eastern edge of the Harz Mountains and presents a lively mix of past and future eras. The buildings of Romanesque, 1,300 half-timbered houses and villas of the early days of Art Nouveau, tell the history and culture of bygone eras. To contrast this architecture is a young and fascinating unique ambience; of the art scene.
More information about our walking holidays
Since 2007 we have been offering walking holidays as self-guided tours in English language and thereby have gained a lot of experience with foreign travellers. If you are interested in booking a hiking tour in the Harz Mountains we would be glad to become your travel partner! All you need to worry about are arrival, departure and a good pair of hiking boots – the entire rest you can leave up to us!
We will organise the reservation of your hotels, the transport of your luggage and if necessary lunch packages, transfers or further services. If you want to know more about our walking holidays in general or get more details information about our hiking tours in the Harz Mountains, please feel free to contact us!
Team AugustusTours
The Harz Witches Trail leads you from West to East, crossing the entire Harz Mountains. It starts in the medieval half-timbered town of Osterode, which lies between the barrier lake "Sösestausee", the mountain formation "Südharzer Karstgebirge" and the sunny valley "Lerbachtal" in the southern part of the Harz. Along the way, it furthermore passes the former mining region of the area and numerous ponds and ditches that belong to the so-called "Oberharzer Wasserregal". Moreover, the Harz Witches Trail leads hikers through upland moor, the preserved region of the Harz Mountains and even up to the highest mountain peak of the area – the "Brocken Mountain". Finally, the hiking trail finds it end in Thale, a town in Saxony-Anhalt, which is famous for its fairy ring and lovely Bodetal.
