The Bode Valley - geology site & origin of legends
Thale is located on the north-eastern edge of the Harz Mountains, where the Bode river emerges from the mountains and has carved a deep gorge between the steep, legendary rock plateaus of 'Hexentanzplatz' and 'Roßtrappe' In this gorge, the wildly romantic Bode Valley, visitors can expect exciting myths and legends, fairytale forests, babbling brooks and rushing rivers, fascinating rock formations and dreamlike views.
With the impressive Bode Valley, the 'Hexentanzplatz' (Witches' Dance Site) and the 'Roßtrappe', the beautiful landscape and the entrance to the 'Harzer-Hexen-Stieg' (Harz witches' trail), a long-distance hiking trail between Thale and Osterode that is about 100 kilometres long, Thale is a very popular, eventful holiday destination for hiking and nature lovers.
The Hexentanzplatz, situated on a rocky plateau at 454 metres above sea level high above the Bode Valley, is transformed every year on the night of 1 May, Walpurgis Night, into the festival site of witches and devils, a place of myths and legends.
With the remains of a former castle, the witches' ring with its sculptures and the Walpurgis Hall, the Hexentanzplatz is also a uniquely mystical place on the other days of the year. Other attractions here include the Harz Mountains Theatre, the toboggan run 'Harzbob' and the Thale Zoo.
No less legendary, the Roßtrappe, a 403-metre-high granite rock, rises from the Bode valley above the left bank of the Bode river. The rock, which is considered one of the most magnificent rock formations north of the Alps, is the subject of numerous legends due to a depression that resembles a footprint. This story is vividly told in the Legend Pavilion high up on the Roßtrappe.
The Cable Car Adventure World in Thale is another highlight of the Bode Valley. It is the starting point of the cable car to the Hexentanzplatz and the chairlift to the Roßtrappe and offers a wide range of fun and leisure activities for young and old with various fun parks, an exhibition hydroelectric power station, a downhill course and the 'Hexenkessel'.
The Bodetal Therme with its thermal landscape, sauna world, recreation and health programmes, as well as wellness and massage offers, provides rest and relaxation after an eventful day.
