Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit
68% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
11.2miLength
2,063ftElevation gain
5.5–6hrEstimated time
Out & back
Popular hike in the Harz National Park, Lower Saxony
Along with the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg, the Goetheweg is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Harz National Park. It owes its name to the world-famous thinker and poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who dared to climb here on December 10, 1777 from Torfhaus to the legendary, highest peak of the Harz Mountains. The route also begins today in Torfhaus and leads east along the Schubensteinweg in the direction of the Schubenstein cliff. A special highlight is the plank path over the Great Torfhausmoor, one of the largest and oldest moors in the Harz Mountains. At higher altitudes, the Goetheweg runs along the Brockenbahn, which is one of the most well-known photo motifs in the national park. At the top of the Brocken there is not only fantastic panoramic views but also the opportunity to stop off.
Highlights of the hike:
- Visitor Center Torfhaus
- Torfhaus bog
- View from the Brocken
- UNESCO World Heritage Upper Harz Water Management
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Großer Schubenstein
Cliff
Aussichtsplattform über der Brockenherberge
Viewpoint
Brockenuhr
Attraction
Eckersprung
Spring
Bohlenstieg Torfhausmoor mit Brockenblick
Attraction
Schutzhütte Eckersprung
Weather shelter
Knochenbrecherkurve
Weather shelter
Brocken
Peak
Gipfelstein Brocken
Attraction
Quitschenberg
Peak
Brockenblick
Viewpoint
Quitschenberg (Westkuppe)
Peak
Untere Hirschhörner
Peak
Magdbett
Peak
Obere Hirschhörner
Peak
Top sights
Großer Schubenstein
Cliff
Aussichtsplattform über der Brockenherberge
Viewpoint
Brockenuhr
Attraction
Eckersprung
Spring
Bohlenstieg Torfhausmoor mit Brockenblick
Attraction
Schutzhütte Eckersprung
Weather shelter
Knochenbrecherkurve
Weather shelter
Brocken
Peak
Gipfelstein Brocken
Attraction
Quitschenberg
Peak
Brockenblick
Viewpoint
Quitschenberg (Westkuppe)
Peak
Untere Hirschhörner
Peak
Magdbett
Peak
Obere Hirschhörner
Peak
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Explore this 11.2-mile out-and-back trail near Altenau, Lower Saxony. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 22 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 April through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
What is the expected weather this week for Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit?
Expected weather for Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit for the next 5 days is:
- Wed, September 23 - 51 degrees/showers
- Thu, September 24 - 54 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 59 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 63 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 69 degrees/clear
Where is Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit located?
Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit is a trail located in Harz National Park.
How hard is Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit?
Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit is considered a hard hike that covers 11.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,063 ft. It takes about 5.5–6 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 Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit?
Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit is considered a hard hike that covers 11.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,063 ft. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit an out and back trail?
Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit is an out-and-back trail that covers 11.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,063 ft. It takes about 5.5–6 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 — traveling out and back on this route covers 11.2 mi.
How long is Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit?
Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit is an out-and-back trail that covers 11.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,063 ft. It takes about 5.5–6 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 — traveling out and back on this route covers 11.2 mi.
Are dogs allowed on Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit, but must remain on a leash.
When is the best time of year to hike Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit?
April to October is the most popular time of year to visit Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit.
How busy is Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit?
According to trailgoers, Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit is usually very busy. April to October is the most popular time of year to visit Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit.
Are there scenic views at Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Aussichtsplattform über der Brockenherberge and Brockenblick.
Is Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit is partially paved.
Are there forests at Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit?
Yes, Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit is a forest trail in Harz National Park.
Are there wildflowers at Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Goethe Trail to the Brocken Summit in Harz National Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 22, 2026 at 1:45 pm GMT+0