Our hike starts at the "Mühlental" car park in the cave town of Rübeland. After approx. 400 m you cross the road and cross the railway and Bode bridges, at the end of the bridge we keep left and at the road fork we take the right road uphill. After approx. 600 m we recommend the small detour to the "Bell House". A small, narrow path leads across the meadows to the 410 m high observation point with a view over Rübeland and towards the Brocken massif.
Back on the hiking trail, continue on the main trail. After approx. 300 m, follow the signs to the left to "Burgruine Birkenfeld". Old remains of the stone wall reveal the ruins of the castle. Displays provide information about the castle. It continues about 400 m in the direction of the "Hoher Kleef" viewing pavilion. Here is the stamp box (HWN 88). You can also enjoy a fantastic view of the Brocken mountain and a panoramic view of the cave town of Rübeland directly from the pavilion. Continue to the left and after about 100 m you will come to the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg and the "Bee Bear" with seating. The "Bienotel" is a life-size, carved bear that gives a colony of bees a species-appropriate home inside its belly.
After a rest, we hike a bit on the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg until we reach the L 96 at Hermanns Cave. We recommend a visit to the "River Cave" with its unique grotto olms and the glittering crystal chamber. From there it goes over the bridge around the heart cliff with bear in the direction of the level crossing. After the level crossing, cross the B27 and turn right in the direction of the "Bodeperle" outdoor pool.
In the summer months, you can cool off in the outdoor pool. Then start directly from the car park in the direction of Schornsteinberg, which is located directly above the outdoor pool.
A small, narrow path leads us behind a house to the chimney hill. After approx. 300 m we reach the Schornsteinberg, which rewards us with a fantastic view of Rübeland, via an ascent of approx. 80 meters in altitude.
The stamp no. 89 of the Harzer Wandernadel is located on the Schornsteinberg. The name of the mountain comes from the fact that the 6 m high chimney of the charring plant used to be located here.
We continue on the "Blauer See" circular route in the direction of the Baumanns Caveover spacious mountain meadows and meadow landscapes with a direct view of the Brocken. At the end of the hike, another cave visit in the Baumanns Cave invites you before we reach our destination, the “Mühlental” car park.
