Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route
64% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
15kmLength
570mElevation gain
5–5.5hrEstimated time
Circular
Popular, exciting hiking trail in the Harz National Park, Saxony-Anhalt.
This route leads through the Ilsen Valley to the Ilse Falls. The route starts on the southern outskirts of Ilsenburg and follows the Heinrich Heine hiking trail. After a while, the Ilse is reached, whose course the route follows as it leads through unspoilt deciduous forest. On the hike, rugged, lichen-covered rocks alternate with beech and sycamore forests.
There is a paid car park at the starting point.
The Harz hiking badges 2, 6 and 8 can be collected along the way.
Highlights of the hike:
- Old bobsleigh run
- Green Belt
- Crossing the Black Silt Water
- Ascent to the Eckerloch
- Primeval forest climb
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Top sights
Rohntal
Valley
Ilsestein
Peak
Heinrich Heine Gedenkstein
Attraction
Prinzess-Ilse-Quelle
Spring
Zanthierplatz
Hut
Ilsestein
Attraction
Ilsefälle
Waterfall
Bremer Hütte
Hut
Großes Sandtal
Valley
Hermannsklippe
Viewpoint
Scharfenstein
Peak
Scharfenstein
Picnic site
Wanderlust Ilsetal
Caravan site
Schutzhütte "Stempelsbuche"
Hut
Kleines Sandtal
Valley
Oberer Meineckenberg
Peak
Tiefenbeekskopf
Peak
Sandtalskopf
Peak
WildnisStieg
Attraction
Nationalparkhaus Ilsenburg
Attraction
Wassertreten
Attraction
Top sights
Rohntal
Valley
Ilsestein
Peak
Heinrich Heine Gedenkstein
Attraction
Prinzess-Ilse-Quelle
Spring
Zanthierplatz
Hut
Ilsestein
Attraction
Ilsefälle
Waterfall
Bremer Hütte
Hut
Großes Sandtal
Valley
Hermannsklippe
Viewpoint
Scharfenstein
Peak
Scharfenstein
Picnic site
Wanderlust Ilsetal
Caravan site
Schutzhütte "Stempelsbuche"
Hut
Kleines Sandtal
Valley
Oberer Meineckenberg
Peak
Tiefenbeekskopf
Peak
Sandtalskopf
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?
Discover this 15.0-km circular trail near Ilsenburg, Saxony-Anhalt. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 37 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October.
What is the expected weather this week for Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route?
Expected weather for Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route for the next 5 days is:
- Thu 24 September - 17 degrees/clear
- Fri 25 September - 21.2 degrees/clear
- Sat 26 September - 22.8 degrees/clear
- Sun 27 September - 25.7 degrees/clear
- Mon 28 September - 27.2 degrees/clear
Where is Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route located?
Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route is a trail located in Harz National Park.
How hard is Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route?
Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route is considered a moderate hike that covers 15 km, with an elevation gain of 570 m. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route?
Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route is considered a moderate hike that covers 15 km, with an elevation gain of 570 m. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route a circular?
Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route is a circular trail that covers 15 km, with an elevation gain of 570 m. It takes about 5–5.5 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 Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route?
Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route is a circular trail that covers 15 km, with an elevation gain of 570 m. It takes about 5–5.5 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 Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route?
Dogs may be allowed on Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route?
March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route.
How busy is Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route?
According to trailgoers, Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route is usually busy. March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route.
Are there waterfalls at Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route?
Yes, Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route has a scenic view of Ilsefälle.
Are there scenic views at Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route?
Yes, Hermannsklippe is located on Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route.
Are there forests at Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route?
Yes, Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route is a forest trail in Harz National Park.
Are there wildflowers at Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Circular Route in Harz National Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on 24 September 2026 at 01:09 GMT+0