Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins
67% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
8kmLength
313mElevation gain
2.5–3hrEstimated time
Circular
Popular circular hike in the Harz Nature Park, Lower Saxony.
A great hike to the largest visitor cave in the west of the Harz Mountains. The unicorn cave got its name from bone and tooth finds that were attributed to unicorns in the 16th century. However, later excavations unearthed numerous bear and other large mammal bones and no more unicorn bones. However, the cave still bears its name today and the unicorn drawing by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz is its symbol.
The hike leads around the Kleiner Mittelberg, past the Göttinger Hütte and the Herbstberg. In the last third of the hike, the unicorn cave and the ruins of Scharzfeld Castle await. Both are Harzer Wandernadel stamp points.
You can stop for refreshments at Haus Einhorn and the castle. The start is at the Andreasbachtal car park. However, you can also start from Bad Lauterberg railway station in Barbis in the Harz Mountains.
Highlights of the hike:
- Unicorn cave (HWN stamp point)
- Scharzfeld castle ruins (HWN stamping point)
- Water treading point
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Top sights
Burg Scharzfels
Castle
Einhornhöhle
Cave
Frauenstein
Peak
Olthorntal
Valley
Blicktrichter
Attraction
Wassertretstelle
Attraction
Villa Dübel
Hut
Brunnenhaus
Building
Kaiserklippe
Peak
Brandköpfe
Peak
Herbsttal
Valley
Hasenwinkel
Valley
Kleiner Mittelberg
Peak
Reinebornstal
Valley
Herbstberg
Peak
Bremketal
Valley
Pfaffental
Valley
Göttinger Hütte
Hut
Knollenblick
Viewpoint
Top sights
Burg Scharzfels
Castle
Einhornhöhle
Cave
Frauenstein
Peak
Olthorntal
Valley
Blicktrichter
Attraction
Wassertretstelle
Attraction
Villa Dübel
Hut
Brunnenhaus
Building
Kaiserklippe
Peak
Brandköpfe
Peak
Herbsttal
Valley
Hasenwinkel
Valley
Kleiner Mittelberg
Peak
Reinebornstal
Valley
Herbstberg
Peak
Bremketal
Valley
Pfaffental
Valley
Göttinger Hütte
Hut
Knollenblick
Viewpoint
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Check out this 8.0-km circular trail near Bad Lauterberg im Harz, Lower Saxony. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 30 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a lead.
What is the expected weather this week for Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins?
Expected weather for Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins for the next 5 days is:
- Sat 26 September - 20 degrees/clear
- Sun 27 September - 22.5 degrees/clear
- Mon 28 September - 22.1 degrees/clear
- Tue 29 September - 20.2 degrees/clear
- Wed 30 September - 19.8 degrees/clear
Where is Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins located?
Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins is a trail located in Harz Nature Park.
How hard is Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins?
Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins is considered a moderate hike that covers 8 km, with an elevation gain of 313 m. It takes about 2.5–3 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins?
Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins is considered a moderate hike that covers 8 km, with an elevation gain of 313 m. It takes about 2.5–3 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins a circular?
Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins is a circular trail that covers 8 km, with an elevation gain of 313 m. It takes about 2.5–3 hr to complete. Circular trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins?
Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins is a circular trail that covers 8 km, with an elevation gain of 313 m. It takes about 2.5–3 hr to complete. Circular trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
Are dogs allowed on Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins, but must remain on a lead.
When is the best time of year to hike Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins?
Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins?
According to trailgoers, Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins is usually busy. Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins?
Yes, Knollenblick is located on Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins.
Are there forests at Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins?
Yes, Unicorn Cave - Scharzfeld Castle Ruins is a forest trail in Harz Nature Park.
Last updated on 25 September 2026 at 00:31 GMT+0