Night 1
Hotel in Osterode
This historic walled city has a scenic market square, churches, and beautifully-preserved classic timber-frame houses.
Harz Witches Trail Hiking Tour
Prices
Highlights
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!
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 hours, 16 km
- 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
- 5 hours, 17km
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 4 Climb to Brocken Mountain
Following in the footsteps of German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe today, take the Goethe Trail to the top of Brocken Mountain. As the tallest peak in the Harz Mountains, you'll get fabulous views from the summit. Getting back down is also a treat as you ride the steam-powered Harz Narrow-Guage Railway to Schierke.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Schierke
- Distance
- 6 hours, 20km
- 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
- Distance
- 6 hours, 21km
- 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.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Treseburg
- Distance
- 5.5 hours, 20km
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 7 Bode Gorge to Thale
The last section of the Witches Trail leads you down into the vast Bode Gorge (Bodetal), often called Germany's Grand Canyon thanks to its steep granite walls and lush valleys.
Overnight in Thale, taking some time to check out the interesting statues of the Fairy Ring and perhaps taking the chair lift to Rosstrappe 2 to see the amazing views.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Thale
- Distance
- 3 hours, 10km
- 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
Harz Witches Trail Hiking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided hiking tour of the Harz Mountains is run as a private tour for your group and the price per person is fixed.
Prices below are per person:
- Price per person staying in a single room: $1,025USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $795USD
Accommodation 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.
Night 2
Hotel in Clausthal-Zellerfeld
Enjoy this vibrant university town, home to Germany’s largest church, Marktkirche zum Heiligen Geist.
Night 3
Hotel in Altenau
This charming mountain town has extensive herb gardens to visit.
Night 4
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.
Night 5
Hotel in Rübeland
An area known for limestone mining and extraction, Rübeland has many interesting caves to explore.
Night 6
Hotel in Treseburg
Treseburg is a gorgeous little village along the rushing Bode River with a very scenic bridge.
Night 7
Hotel in Thale
Thale is known for the Bode Gorge, the “Grand Canyon of Germany.”
Hotels on Standard Tour
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
- Welcome drink
- 1 package with maps and information per room (in English)
- 24-hour 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
Frequenty Asked Questions about Harz Witches Trail Hiking Tour
How hard is the Harz Witches Trail Hiking Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. This tour requires participants to have a suitable level of fitness for consecutive days of walking or hiking long distances and some elements of climbing. No technical experience is required, but participants should be comfortable hiking 3-6 hours per day.
Do I have to carry my luggage?
Your luggage will be sent from hotel to hotel every day along the tour so you do not have to carry your bags with you.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Are meals included on the Harz Witches Trail Hiking Tour?
7 breakfasts are included.
How do I get to Osterode to start this tour?
Fly into Hannover Airport (HAJ) and take the train to Osterode (approximately 3 hours). There are also trains from Hamburg Airport (HAM) to Osterode.
Where does the Harz Witches Trail Eastern Section Tour end?
The tour ends in Thale after you check out from your hotel. The nearest airport is Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) and you can travel there by train.
Can I stay longer in some of the locations?
Yes, you can stay for additional nights in any of the overnight locations mentioned in the tour. We will be happy to help you arrange accommodations.
Do I need a visa to travel to Germany?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Germany?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Germany?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Germany for this tour?
The best time to travel to Lower Saxony for this hike is from May to September when the weather tends to be warm and clear.
Reviews
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Stephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
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I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
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Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
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Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
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I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
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Why 10Adventures?
Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour as a 3/5. This tour requires participants to have a suitable level of fitness for consecutive days of walking or hiking long distances and some elements of climbing. No technical experience is required, but participants should be comfortable hiking 3-6 hours per day.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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