Hike the Harz Witches Trail to the peak of Brocken Mountain
Embark on an 8-day hiking adventure across the entire length of the Witches Trail, one of the most famous hiking routes in Germany. The Complete Witches Trail Hiking Tour takes you on a journey of more than 100km over scenic footpaths through the lush valleys, rivers, and gorges of the Harz Mountains.
You'll summit Brocken Mountain, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains, and marvel at natural wonders like Könighshütter Waterfall and Bode Gorge. Following ancient trade routes connecting tiny medieval villages, each night you'll stay in quaint small towns tucked away from the outside world. Challenge yourself to see all of the beauty and history of the Witches Trail!
Highlights of the Harz Witches Trail Hiking Tour
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Harz Witches Trail Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Osterode
After arriving in Osterode, be sure to explore the lovely sights of this historic walled city. In the old town area you can admire the market square, churches, and the beautifully-preserved classic timber-frame houses.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Osterode
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Osterode to Clausthal-Zellerfeld
Today you’ll head to the starting point of the Witches Trail and begin hiking. The uphill route takes you to Oberharzer Wasserregal, a waterworks system that dates back to the 16th century.
End today's section at Clausthal-Zellerfeld, home to the impressive Marktkirche zum Heiligen Geist, which is Germany's largest church.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Clausthal-Zellerfeld
Distance: 4.5 hours, 15 km, 511m of ascent, 163m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Clausthal-Zellerfeld to Altenau
Following the idyllic forest paths and narrow trails as you head towards Altenau, passing springs and dykes along the way.
Once at Altenau you can visit Krauter Park, Germany's biggest herb garden.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Altenau
Distance: 4 hours, 15km, 303m of ascent, 361m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Climb to Brocken Mountain
Today the highlight of your hiking tour awaits you: the ascent of the Brocken in the heart of the transnational Harz National Park. You will climb the summit on well-maintained and varied trails. The descent to Schierke or Wernigerode is by the Harz narrowgauge railroad (self-pay).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Schierke or Wernigerode
Distance: 6 hours, 19km, 658m of ascent, 38m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Schierke to Rübeland
Climbing along Trundstein Mountain, today's hike takes you past the beautiful Königshütte waterfall and follows the Bode River with its active limestone quarries.
Once in Rübeland, it's worth visiting the Baumann Cave, a limestone grotto with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Rübeland area
Distance: 6 hours, 22.5 km, 414m of ascent, 641m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Rübeland to Treseburg
Passing through mining areas and quarries, admire the natural stone features this path is known for. Walking along the Bode River, you'll pass the dam in Wendefurth and reach your overnight location in Treseburg. You may also stay in Altenbrak (depending on the availability).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Treseburg or Altenbrak
Distance: 4-5.5 hours, 15-20km, 485m of ascent, 639m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Bode Gorge to Thale
On the last day, you will hike through the Bode Valley, which is steeped in myth and legend. Between towering granite rocks, the narrow path always leads along the river. Your hike ends in the town of Thale, below the famous witches' dance site. You will spend the night in Thale or Quedlinburg. You can get to Quedlinburg by bus (incl. in HATIX), train (self-pay) or on foot (+16 km).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Quedlinburg
Distance: 3-4.5 hours, 10-15km, 400m of ascent, 510m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure
Congratulations on completing the entire Witches Trail! But if you're not ready for this adventure to end, we recommend adding on an additional night or two in nearby Quedlinburg, a UNESCO World Heritage City recognized for its beautifully-preserved architecture.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2025 Departures
The departures are available daily, from April to October.
- Single room: from $1,025 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $825 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on the Harz Witches Trail Hiking Tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you prefer a single room or you are a solo traveller, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Osterode
This historic walled city has a scenic market square, churches, and beautifully-preserved classic timber-frame houses.
Hotel in Clausthal-Zellerfeld
Enjoy this vibrant university town, home to Germany's largest church, Marktkirche zum Heiligen Geist.
Hotel in Altenau
This charming mountain town has extensive herb gardens to visit.
Hotel in Schierke
A small village in the forest, Schierke is the gateway to Brocken Mountain and home to the steam-powered railway to the peak.
Hotel in Rübeland
An area known for limestone mining and extraction, Rübeland has many interesting caves to explore.
Hotel in Treseburg
Treseburg is a gorgeous little village along the rushing Bode River with a very scenic bridge.
Hotel in Thale
Thale is known for the Bode Gorge, the “Grand Canyon of Germany.”
What’s Included in the Harz Witches Trail Hiking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. You can also add on additional nights at any of the overnight locations along the tour route to extend your stay. Accommodations before and after the tour can further be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage from hotel to hotel is included throughout the tour. Airport transfers are not included.
Also Included
- 1 package with maps and information per room (in English)
- Service hotline during the walking tour
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Transportation to/from Osterode and Thale
- Train ticket on Harz Narrow-Gauge Railway
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Guide services
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Bus transfer from Thale to Osterode
Frequently Asked Questions about Harz Witches Trail Hiking Tour
AugustusTours is an established tour operator in Dresden which is well known for its customized tours for both groups and individual travellers. As an experienced incoming operator, we do not only organize city and cultural tours to the capital of Saxony and the picturesque surroundings including the enchanting vineyards of the Elbe valley. Besides classical city tour programmes, we also offer trips to the sights of the region.
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