Our hike starts at the "Mühlental" parking lot in the cave village of Rübeland. After about 400 m, you cross the street and pass over the railway and Bode bridges. At the end of the bridge, keep left and take the right street uphill at the road fork. After about 600 m, we recommend the small detour to the "Bell House". A narrow path leads over the meadows to the 410 m high viewpoint with views over Rübeland and towards the Brocken massif.
Back on the hiking trail, continue on the main path. After about 300 m, follow the signs to the left to the "Birkenfeld Castle Ruins". Old stone wall remains reveal the castle ruins. Information boards provide hints about the castle. Continue for about 400 m towards the "Hoher Kleef" viewing pavilion. Here you will find the stamp box (HWN 88). Additionally, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Brocken directly from the pavilion, as well as a panoramic view of the cave village of Rübeland. Continue to the left and after about 100 m, you will encounter the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg and the "Bee Bear" with a seating area. The "Bienotel" is a life-sized carved bear that houses a bee colony in a species-appropriate dwelling inside its belly.
After a rest, we hike a stretch on the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg until we reach the L 96 at the height of Hermannshöhle. We recommend a visit to the "River Cave" with its unique grotto salamanders and sparkling crystal chamber. From there, cross the bridge around the Herzklippe with bear towards the railway crossing. After the railway crossing, cross the B27 and turn right towards the outdoor pool "Bodeperle".
During the summer months, a little refreshment at the outdoor pool is recommended. Afterwards, continue directly from the parking lot towards the Schornsteinberg, which is located directly above the outdoor pool.
A small, narrow path leads us behind a house to the Schornsteinberg. After about 300 m, we reach the Schornsteinberg via an ascent of about 80 meters in elevation, which rewards us with a fantastic view of Rübeland.
At Schornsteinberg is the stamp point 89 of the Harzer Wandernadel. The name of the mountain originates from the fact that the approximately 6 m high chimney of the carbonization plant was previously located here.
Continue on the "Blue Lake" circular trail towards the Baumann Cave over expansive mountain meadows and grasslands with a direct view of the Brocken. To conclude the hikes, another cave visit at the Baumann Cave invites before we reach our destination parking lot "Mühlental".
