Hiking in the Harz Mountains - Star tours around Wernigerode

The best time to enjoy nature in the Harz Mountains with outdoor activities is from May to October. Even if autumn is quite rainy, it’s still one of the most beautiful hiking times, especially the mixed forests in the south and the east Harz, because it shines in many colors.

Welcome to Wernigerode! After your journey, the “colorful city on the Harz” awaits you.

The famous city boasts historic half-timbered houses and idyllic alleys on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains. The lavishly restored half-timbered buildings, including the town hall on the market square, the crooked house, and the most miniature house, shape the face of the state-approved resort.

Check into the hotel and stroll through the quaint streets to get in the mood for your hiking trip.

6 overnight stays with breakfast in Wernigerode, Saxony-Anhalt

Strengthen yourself at breakfast because today, your first little hiking tour is on the program. First, follow the Zillerback out of town before going uphill into the forest. We recommend a short detour to the Scharfenstein lookout point, where you can soak in views of the Harz region. The next highlight awaits you a little later: the twelve-meter-high Kaiserturm at Armeleuteberg. The tower built in honor of Kaiser Wilhelm II offers an impressive view of the Harz foreland and Wernigerode from above. The crowning glory of your first day’s stage!

Walking time: approx. 3.5 hours / approx. 13 km

Lean back and enjoy the ride on the Harz narrow-gauge railway. The steam-powered train takes you through a varied forest and mountain landscape to the highest point in the Harz Mountains. The legendary Brocken at 1142 meters welcomes you.

The Brocken, also Blocksberg, has always been shrouded in many myths and legends. During the Walpurgis Night, legend says you must be careful of witches and the Brocken ghost. Thanks to its exposed location, the Brocken is often shrouded in fog, making it appear even more mystical.

After enjoying the mountain air and vast views from the summit, the rest of today’s hike is downhill on foot. The hiking trail takes you over the challenging Höllenstieg and later through the gorge-like valley of the Steinerne Renne. After an eventful day, you’ll return to your accommodation.

Walking time: approx. 5 hours / approx. 17 km

Today’s route takes you back in time. In the morning, walk past the historic Lustgarten park, a French Baroque garden in the 16th century that transformed into an English park. Follow the forest’s edge path before you climb the Stapenberg on a steeper ascent. On a clear day, you can even see the Brocken! As you continue hiking down the trail, it will lead you on the Annaweg in the direction of the 400-meter high Agnesberg, which offers a beautiful view of the majestically enthroned Wernigerode Castle. Wildpark Christianental is ideal for an extended rest.

At the end of the hike, you’ll visit the imposing Wernigerode Castle. The 12th-century facility was initially intended to secure the route of the German emperors on their hunting expeditions in the Harz Mountains in the Middle Ages. Nowadays, visitors can visit the palace’s interior and explore around 50 rooms on two tours or stroll through the three associated parks. After visiting the landmark, the tourist train will take you down to the city center.

Walking time: approx. 4 hours / approx. 14 km

Today’s hiking destination is the enchanting Ilsenburg. Hike toward your destination along the Harz monastery hiking trail. Perhaps you’ll discover one of the unique “angel benches” along the way, which each have individual blessings and a QR code with information about the route and location. The path first leads you to the remains of the Himmselspforte monastery, which Augustinian monks formerly inhabited. A peasant war led to the gradual decline of the sanctuary and its demolition. The hike continues through mixed forests to Drübeck Abbey. The 1000-year-old Benedictine monastery is worth a visit. Discover the secrets of monastery life and search for traces within the monastery walls.

The final stop of your hike is the town of Ilsenburg. The lovingly designed city center is characterized by small romantic streets, cozy inner courtyards, and the typical Harz half-timbered houses. You can discover the city’s diversity from the market square directly at the trout pond.

Use the bus to return to Wernigerode.

Walking time: approx. 4 hours / approx. 15 km

Today’s schedule is up to you! Explore more of Wernigerode or go to the surrounding towns.

If you want to marvel at the Harz in a true-to-scale small format, the miniature park “Kleiner Harz” is just the place for you! Airplane and technology enthusiasts will get their money’s worth in the Aviation Museum. Would you prefer to relax and enjoy the cool water? Then we recommend a visit to the Hasseröder holiday park. The adventure pool and wellness and sauna area both offer a memorable experience.

Another option is a drive to Quedlinburg, where you can marvel at its attractive cityscape. You can also visit Thale is because it’s best known for its Hexentanzplatz, which towers high above the city.

Round off the trip with a delicious dinner.

Today your hiking tour through Wernigerode comes to an end. Start your individual journey home with lots of fond memories.

You are welcome to extend your trip and book additional nights - contact us today!

Altwernigeröder Apparthotel***, Wernigerode, Saxony-Anhalt

The hotel nestles in the picturesque old town of Wernigerode, only a few meters from the historic town hall. Thanks to its central location, many of the city’s sights are within walking distance.

The rooms come equipped with a safe, a desk, a minibar, a telephone, and a television. You can choose between two restaurants during your stay: a potato house for fans of traditional German cuisine and a bodega that offers a short culinary trip to the Mediterranean. You can treat yourself to a break in the sauna and recover from the day. If you would like to exercise, the hotel offers a gym.

Closest city: Wernigerode

Closest airport: Hannover Airport

Duration of the trip: 7 days / 6 nights

Minimum number of participants: min. 1

Including

• 6 nights in the Altwernigeröder Apparthotel*** including breakfast

• Welcome on the day of arrival

• Ride on the Harz narrow-gauge railway from Wernigerode to the Brocken

• Entry to Wernigerode Castle

• Take the little train from Wernigerode Castle to the market

• 1 dinner in the hotel

• 1 package of detailed maps and information material per room

• 24-hour telephone service during your trip

• The starting price is valid during the travel period 01.04.22 - 31.10.22

Excluding

• Transfers

• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services

• Excursions (visits, admissions, etc.)

• Tips and personal expenses

• Travel insurance

• Tourism tax and visitor's tax (to be paid on site)

Notes

• The trip takes place only from 01.04. - 31.10.

• Arrival: daily

• Difficulty level: medium

• A basic level of fitness and surefootedness is required for this hike.

• This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

• Hikes with dog possible on request (additional costs to be paid when you arrive)

• A hearty breakfast is included during the hiking tour. Half-board can be booked for a request surcharge. Guests should currently make a reservation.

Packing list for hikers

• Maps and information material

• Headgear (preferably waterproof)

• Breathable wind and rain clothing

• Broken-in high hiking boots made of breathable waterproof material

• Hiking socks

• Sun protection (sunglasses, sun cream), lip balm

• First aid kit

• Insect repellant and tick tweezers

• Individually required medication

• Hiking backpack

• Hand towel

• Sufficient liquid and food for when you are out and about

• Camera and accessories

• Moist cloths (for cleaning hands on the go)

• Travel detergent, sewing kit

• Telescopic walking sticks if necessary

• Money, debit, or credit card

• Crucial addresses and telephone numbers