Hike the impressive eastern section of Harz Witches Trail through the mountains of Germany
The mystic forests of the Harz Mountains are home to Central Germany's award-winning “Witches Trail,” with more than 100km of footpaths that wind through valleys, rivers, and gorges.
The Harz Witches Trail Eastern Section Tour is a 7-day self-guided journey on the eastern half of the mountains, starting at Wernigerode and finishing at the UNESCO World Heritage city of Quedlinburg. During your adventure you'll reach the peak of Brocken Mountain, pass the rushing Könighshütter Waterfall, and explore the depths of the Bode Gorge. Every night you'll stay in charming villages and quaint small towns full of history and character. Take an unforgettable walk on the Witches Trail to see a path through the “Green Heart of Germany.”
Highlights of the Harz Witches Trail Eastern Section
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Harz Witches Trail Eastern Section Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Wernigerode
The charming old town of Wernigerode has a number of sights to visit, including the regal Wernigerode Castle that overlooks the town and the rows of classic timber-frame houses that have stood the test of time.
Overnight in Wernigerode and rest up before the big hike.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Wernigerode
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Harz Railway to Brocken Mountain
Take a delightful train ride on the Harz Narrow-Gauge Railway to Brocken Mountain, with fantastic views of northern Germany below you.
From the mountaintop, start your descent on the Harz Witches Trail passing huge granite rock formations and ending the day in Schierke.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Schierke
Distance: 3 hours, 10km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Schierke to Rübeland
The downhill path on today's walk takes you to the beautiful Könighshütter Waterfall and Bode Creek, where high-quality limestone is sourced.
Admire the beautiful views from Hoher Kleef and continue to Rübeland, where you can check out the area's impressive limestone caves.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Rübeland
Distance: 6 hours, 22km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Rübeland to Bode Gorge
Passing through idyllic meadows and lush forests, make your way from Rübeland to the forested village of Altenbrak, reaching the foothills of the Bode Gorge. This region is nicknamed “the Grand Canyon of Germany” and is one of the most photo-worthy spots on the tour.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Altenbrak
Distance: 4.5 hours, 15km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Bode Gorge to Thale
On your last hiking day you experience the granite rocks of the Bodetal “the Grand Canyon of Germany”. While wandering on narrow paths, you will be delighted by unique rock ravines. By crossing the devil’s bridge you reach Thale. The town is especially known for its legendary fairy ring and the Rosstrappe of granite crag. Both are easily reachable via cable car (ticket not included). Within minutes you reach your final destination Quedlinburg by train.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Thale
Distance: 4 hours, approx. 14km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Thale to Quedlinburg
The final leg of your journey on the Witches Trail is a train ride from Thale to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Quedlinburg. Recognized for its beautifully-preserved architecture like the Romanesque monastery of St. Servatius. There's lots to see and enjoy in this historic city!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Quedlinburg
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Departure from Quedlinburg
With lots of amazing photos and memories to take home with you, your walking holiday comes to an end today.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Harz Witches Trail Eastern Section Price and Dates
This self-guided hiking tour to the Harz Mountains is run as a private tour for your group and the price per person is fixed.
2025 Departures:
The departures are available daily, from April to October.
- Single room: from $975 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $775 USD*
Accommodation on Harz Witches Trail Eastern Section
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 are a solo traveller or prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Wernigerode
A town full of history, Wernigerode is known for its castle that overlooks the town and the rows of classic timber-frame houses in the old town.
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 Altenbrak
A small village in the forest, Altenbrak has many hiking routes and access to the Bode Gorge.
Hotel in Thale
Thale is known for the Bode Gorge, the “Grand Canyon of Germany.”
Hotel in Quedlinburg
Renowned for its preserved timber-framed buildings, churches and castle, Quedlinburg boasts a treasure trove of Romanesque architecture.
What’s Included in the Harz Witches Trail Eastern Section?
Meals
6 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 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. The train ticket from Thale to Quedlinburg is also 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 Wernigerode and Quedlinburg
- Entrance fees where applicable
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions about Harz Witches Trail Eastern Section
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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