Romantic route in the middle of the Harz National Park. Along the river "Oder" shortly after its origin from the Harz peatlands up to its inflow into the Oderteich. The over 300-year-old dam, as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Oberharzer Wasserregal", is circled once counterclockwise. Behind the dam, the path is largely no longer barrier-free; it leads, among other things, over wooden planks on the eastern shore through peat areas back to Oderbrück.
The start of the route is at the parking lots of the Oderbrück settlement. There is also a bus stop for the hourly Braunlage - Torfhaus - Bad Harzburg line. West of the federal highway, we follow the course of the Oder river gently downhill toward Oderteich. At a junction, we turn right. The path becomes narrower and is soon bordered with granite stones. At the northernmost point of the Oderteich, a romantic spot invites you to rest. Here is also the stamp station #217 "Sonnenkappe" of the Harzer Wandernadel (Harz hiking badge). We then head south, leaving the Oderteich at some distance on our left but always in sight. Shortly before reaching the dam and the federal highway on it, a small detour left to the shore of the Oderteich is worthwhile, where swimming is possible in summer. At the Oderteich parking lot, there is another bus stop. From here, you can travel directly to St. Andreasberg or Braunlage. By transferring once near the B4, you can return by bus to Oderbrück. The return path on the eastern side of the Oderteich is not barrier-free and is only suitable for sure-footed hikers. Therefore, taking the bus back to the starting point is often a more pleasant alternative. The now following difficult section leads over wooden planks and very stony passages across raised bog areas; however, it compensates with great views over the Oderteich and absolutely natural forest areas. At the next junction, we turn right and follow the now wider path until we reach the federal highway. The last few meters back to the starting point lead along the edge. In Oderbrück, the "Kaffeeklappe" invites you to a small snack in the outdoor area.