The Harzer-Hexen-Stieg is the best hiking trail to explore the magical and mystical world of the Harz: a true hiking adventure.
The legendary Brocken is just one of many highlights of the adventurous long distance hiking trail, which stretches across the whole Harz and the Harz National Park. Fans of fairy tales and legends will enjoy walking along the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg; while the “magical” landscape of the Harz will also fascinate nature lovers and hikers. The Harzer-Hexen-Stieg, combines nature, geology, history and culture, and is known for being a captivating cross-section through Germany’s most northern low mountain range.
Mixed green coniferous forests, rocky canyons and towering cliffs, millennia-old raised bogs as well as medieval half-timbered houses are located along the way. Evidence of more than a thousand years of mining history can be found at every turn. For example, the narrow ditches of the UNESCO World Heritage “Upper Harz Water Management System”, which was established during the 16th-18th century in order to accumulate water for the mining in the Harz.
The Harzer-Hexen-Stieg runs from Osterode in the west to Thale in the east- but of course, you can also start your trip vice versa. The trail forks in two places, thus allowing several route variations.