Best backpacking trails in Altenau
4.3(93 reviews)
Explore the most popular backpacking trails near Altenau with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
Top trails
- 4.3 (52)·Hard·12.7 mi·Est. 7–7.5 hrThis route is stage 3 of the Harz Witches' Trail, crossing the Harz Mountains from Torfhaus to Drei Annen Hohne. The path follows the historic Goetheweg through the Harz National Park up to the summit of the Brocken, the highest peak in Northern Germany. Hikers traverse unique high moors and mystical spruce forests before descending via the Glashüttenweg toward the Trudenstein rock formation. Overnight stays are available in mountain hotels and hiker hostels in Torfhaus, on the Brocken...
- 4.3 (20)·Hard·17.3 mi·Est. 8.5–9.5 hrPopular loop in the Harz National Park, Lower Saxony A great loop through the Harz Mountains starting in Torfhaus (when arriving by bus or train: "Torfhaus" stop). From here, the path leads through the breathtaking low mountain range landscape characterized by dense forests and mystical moors, first in the direction of Schierke and from there on to the legendary Brocken summit. In addition to idyllic nature, fantastic panoramic views are not neglected on this hike. Sturdy shoes and a good...
- 5.0 (8)·Hard·13.6 mi·Est. 7–8 hrVaried hiking trail from Torfhaus through the Harz National Park, Saxony-Anhalt. This route leads through the beautiful Harz mountains. The starting point is at Torfhaus, from there the Brocken is crossed and then it goes to Ilsenburg. At the beginning, the route runs along the well-known Harzer Hexenstieg accompanied by a wonderful small, bubbling brook. The 1000 meter descent from the Brocken takes place over a distance of around 12 km and is very even and not steep overall. Highlights of...
- 4.2 (9)·Hard·39.1 mi·Est. 20.5–22.5 hrChallenging loop in the Harz National Park, Lower Saxony/Saxony-Anhalt. An interesting hike up the highest mountain in Northern Germany (1142 m). This hike begins in the mountain town of Altenau and first leads via Torfhaus and the famous Goetheweg to the Brocken. From there it goes on over the Grenzweg to the Ilsestein. If you want to split the loop into two day tours, you can hike from here to Ilsenburg to spend the night there. The way back to Altenau is via the Großer Gierskopf and the...
- 3.8 (4)·Hard·28 mi·Est. 14–15.5 hrThis hike leads along the legendary Goethe Trail from Torfhaus to the summit of the Brocken, the highest mountain in the Harz Mountains. The route starts right at the large Torfhaus parking lot, directly opposite the Torfhaus National Park Visitor Center. From the starting point, the trail first leads through the Great Torfhaus Moor, one of the oldest raised bogs in the Harz National Park. Wooden boardwalks take you across the sensitive moorland soil, where rare plants such as the...
Frequently asked questions
What is the longest backpacking trail in Altenau?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest backpacking trail in Altenau is Altenau - Brocken - Ilsestein - Eckertalsperre. This trail is estimated to be 39.1 mi long.
Which backpacking trail has the most elevation gain in Altenau?
Altenau: With an ascent of 8,458 ft, Altenau - Brocken - Ilsestein - Eckertalsperre has the most elevation gain of all of the backpacking trails in the area. The next highest ascent for backpacking trails is Torfhaus - Brocken with 5,570 ft of elevation gain.
What is the most popular and difficult backpacking trail in Altenau?
The most popular and difficult backpacking trail in Altenau is Harz Witches’ Trail Stage 3: Torfhaus - Drei Annen Hohne with a 4.3-star rating from 52 reviews.