This hike leads up into the Harz Mountains, which the town of Blankenburg gently nestles against. The “Bielstein Cliff” and the “Wolf Cliff” gave the route its name. Although they may seem relatively unspectacular, these are two very idyllic places in the surroundings of the town, connected by an attractive path along the “Otto Ebert Bridge,” which spans the railway tracks of the popular Rübeland Railway, as well as through the once significant mining area “Braunesumpf.” From Hüttenrode there is a connection to this path at the sports field.
Cliff Route Blankenburg (Harz)
Short facts
- start: Tourist Information Blankenburg (Harz)
- destination: Tourist Information Blankenburg (Harz)
- medium
- 10,83 km
- 3 hours 5 minutes
- 452 m
- 234 m
best season
Tour-Dashboard
Weather
General information
- Stop at an Inn
- Loop Road
Follow the signposting number 2 on the green flower petal. The starting point is the Schnappelberg parking lot at the tourist information.
We start our route at the tourist information first towards the Great Castle, parallel to the terrace garden. Through the chestnut avenue you reach the upper end of the castle park and pass through the gate. Now turn sharply left and immediately behind the castle garages turn right onto Herzogsweg. The hiking trails no. 1, 3, and 4 also accompany you here for the first few meters.
Following the signposting, the cliff route branches off from Herzogsweg to the right after about 1.3 km, just like trails no. 3 and 4. At the next fork, turn left uphill until the path crosses Herzogsweg again. (Herzogsweg leads at this point to the Ziegenkopf mountain inn.) You remain on the narrowing path through the deciduous forest towards Bielstein Cliff. Fans of the books “In the Shadow of Witches” can get the popular stamp here or simply enjoy this charming place. Shortly after Bielstein Cliff, please cross the busy federal road 27 with caution and follow the path towards the railway tracks. The Otto-Ebert Bridge here spans the Blankenburg-Rübeland railway line. With some luck, the steam locomotive of the historic Rübeland Railway just drives under you; the Harzer Wandernadel stamp no. 79 should be guaranteed at this point. After crossing the bridge, continue straight on the broad Herzogsweg to the next prominent crossroads, popularly called “Handweiser.” Tip: A detour to the nearby viewpoint “Brockenblick” leads to the right from this hike – a lovely spot for a picnic. The actual cliff route leads from here to the left, down to B27, which must be crossed again. Then continue through the meadow area, the former mining area “Braunesumpf.” Today only old building parts remind of the mining era. At the end of the meadow, turn left after the granite bollards and cross the railway tracks. A few meters past the seating area, do not miss the narrow path to the right through the forest up towards Hüttenrode. At the following fork, turn right through the coniferous forest (caution muddy when raining) and after a few meters you see to your right the Hüttenrode sports field. On reaching the broad main path, turn left and follow the path slightly downhill, approaching a gate. Here the path is diverted for your safety. A very informative display explains the importance of deadwood at this point. From now on, you walk on a comfortable, sunny path hugging the mountainside. A magnificent view of the Harz foothills opens up for the next approximately 1.5 km. On a clear day, even the rocks of the Teufelsmauer near Weddersleben can be seen. Several benches invite you to linger here. A small path leads to the right to Wolf Cliff, a particularly beautiful spot for a hiking rest. After descending through the increasingly dense deciduous forest, you reach a sharp bend where you turn right. Through the trees, the Sägemühlenteich shimmers on the left side; after a few meters follows the Silberhüttenteich. A good opportunity for a last small break in the forest idyll. The broad, two-lane forest path ends at the Vogelherd mountain hotel near Blankenburg, crosses R1, and leads diagonally opposite down to the castle pond and through the castle park to the Small Castle and starting point of the hike.
Tip: A detour is worthwhile to the viewpoint “Brockenblick” – a beautiful spot for a picnic. The path to it branches off to the right after about 400 m, after you have crossed the Otto-Ebert Bridge.
Parking lots at Schnappelberg in Blankenburg
Cycle and hiking map with city plan of Blankenburg (Harz)
Scale 1:14,000 / 1:25,000 with 16 circular hiking routes Price: 4.00 €
The cliff route passes in close proximity to the Ziegenkopf mountain inn. However, you reach the restaurant already in the first third of the hike and can recharge there well for the rest of the hike.
Information about opening hours: www.ziegenkopf.de
Next steps Download GPX