Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg
60% of reviewers say this trail is hard
21.2kmLength
974mElevation gain
7.5–8hrEstimated time
Out-and-back
Popular hiking trail in the Harz National Park, Saxony-Anhalt
This route follows the Heinrich Heine Trail and leads up to the famous Brocken. Winding forest paths lead from the northern edge of the Harz Mountains through unspoilt beech forests and past rugged rock formations to the highest peak in the national park. A cosy restaurant and an information centre (for a fee) await you here before you return to the starting point.
The first section of the route runs along the idyllically flowing River Ilse. There are always a few small waterfalls to be seen, especially the Ilse Falls.
The last section of the route is mostly on gravelled paths with concrete slabs.
Highlights of the hike:
- Heinrich Heine monument
- Ilse Falls
- Bremer Hütte (Harzer Wandernadel stamping station)
- Panoramic view from the Brocken
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Rohntal
Valley
Ilsestein
Peak
Aussichtsplattform über der Brockenherberge
Viewpoint
Brockenuhr
Attraction
Heinrich Heine Gedenkstein
Attraction
Prinzess-Ilse-Quelle
Spring
Zanthierplatz
Hut
Ilsestein
Attraction
Ilsefälle
Waterfall
Bremer Hütte
Hut
Großes Sandtal
Valley
Hermannsklippe
Viewpoint
Kleiner Brocken
Peak
Brocken
Peak
Gipfelstein Brocken
Attraction
Wanderlust Ilsetal
Caravan site
Schutzhütte "Stempelsbuche"
Hut
Eiserner Tisch
Hut
Bismarckklippe
Viewpoint
Plasterstoßklippe
Peak
Kleines Sandtal
Valley
Oberer Meineckenberg
Peak
WildnisStieg
Attraction
Nationalparkhaus Ilsenburg
Attraction
Wassertreten
Attraction
Top sights
Rohntal
Valley
Ilsestein
Peak
Aussichtsplattform über der Brockenherberge
Viewpoint
Brockenuhr
Attraction
Heinrich Heine Gedenkstein
Attraction
Prinzess-Ilse-Quelle
Spring
Zanthierplatz
Hut
Ilsestein
Attraction
Ilsefälle
Waterfall
Bremer Hütte
Hut
Großes Sandtal
Valley
Hermannsklippe
Viewpoint
Kleiner Brocken
Peak
Brocken
Peak
Gipfelstein Brocken
Attraction
Wanderlust Ilsetal
Caravan site
Schutzhütte "Stempelsbuche"
Hut
Eiserner Tisch
Hut
Bismarckklippe
Viewpoint
Plasterstoßklippe
Peak
Kleines Sandtal
Valley
Oberer Meineckenberg
Peak
WildnisStieg
Attraction
Nationalparkhaus Ilsenburg
Attraction
Wassertreten
Attraction
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Check out this 21.2-km out-and-back trail near Ilsenburg, Saxony-Anhalt. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 8 min to complete. This is a very popular area for camping and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a lead.
What is the expected weather this week for Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg?
Expected weather for Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg for the next 5 days is:
- Sat 26 September - 23 degrees/clear
- Sun 27 September - 25.5 degrees/clear
- Mon 28 September - 25.6 degrees/clear
- Tue 29 September - 24.7 degrees/clear
- Wed 30 September - 24.4 degrees/showers
Where is Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg located?
Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg is a trail located in Harz National Park.
How hard is Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg?
Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg is considered a hard hike that covers 21.2 km, with an elevation gain of 974 m. It takes about 7.5–8 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg?
Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg is considered a hard hike that covers 21.2 km, with an elevation gain of 974 m. It takes about 7.5–8 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg an out-and-back trail?
Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg is an out-and-back trail that covers 21.2 km, with an elevation gain of 974 m. It takes about 7.5–8 hr to complete. Out-and-back trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow the route out to a specific point, and then retrace your steps to return to the start. The length of the trail refers to the entire route — travelling out and back on this route covers 21.2 km.
How long is Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg?
Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg is an out-and-back trail that covers 21.2 km, with an elevation gain of 974 m. It takes about 7.5–8 hr to complete. Out-and-back trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow the route out to a specific point, and then retrace your steps to return to the start. The length of the trail refers to the entire route — travelling out and back on this route covers 21.2 km.
Are dogs allowed on Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg, but must remain on a lead.
When is the best time of year to hike Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg?
April to October is the most popular time of year to visit Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg.
How busy is Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg?
According to trailgoers, Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg is usually very busy. April to October is the most popular time of year to visit Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg.
Are there scenic views at Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Aussichtsplattform über der Brockenherberge, Hermannsklippe and Bismarckklippe.
Are there waterfalls at Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg?
Yes, Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg has a scenic view of Ilsefälle.
Is camping allowed at Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg?
Camping is allowed on Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg in Harz National Park. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg is partially paved.
Are there forests at Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg?
Yes, Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg is a forest trail in Harz National Park.
Are there wildflowers at Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Brocken via Heinrich-Heine-Weg in Harz National Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on 24 September 2026 at 03:59 GMT+0