Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre
16.7miLength
3,353ftElevation gain
8.5–9.5hrEstimated time
Loop
This picturesque loop offers a comprehensive hike through the forests of the Harz Mountains and around the expansive Sösetalsperre reservoir. The route leads through a landscape of dense mixed forests and rolling hills, with several viewpoints of the reservoir and surrounding peaks. The trail uses a mixture of well-marked forest roads and narrow forest paths. This area is part of the historic Upper Harz Water Regal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back several centuries. On the south bank, an educational trail provides information about the local wildlife and highlights the engineering of the dam, which was completed in 1931 to supply the region with drinking water.
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Top sights
Bärenbrucher Teich
Lake
Obere Lerchenkappe
Valley
Ackerblick
Viewpoint
Bärenbrucher Teich
Hut
Innerstesprung
Spring
Dr.-Martin-Schmidt-Platz
Picnic site
Antons Blick
Viewpoint
Sösetal-Vorsperre
Lake
Sösestausee
Lake
Heidelbeerköpfe
Peak
Ziegenberger Teich
Lake
Entensumpf
Lake
Huttal
Valley
Brautbrunnen
Spring
Untere Lerchenkappe
Valley
Mittlere Lerchenkappe
Valley
Hangental
Valley
Unterer Nassenwieser Teich
Lake
Blockkötenkopf
Peak
Berghauptmannskopf
Peak
Quitschental
Valley
Brandkopf
Peak
Vossenke
Valley
Schwarze Tal
Valley
Tränkeberg
Peak
Schwarzenberg
Peak
Großes Kautztal
Valley
Wald im Blick
Viewpoint
Top sights
Bärenbrucher Teich
Lake
Obere Lerchenkappe
Valley
Ackerblick
Viewpoint
Bärenbrucher Teich
Hut
Innerstesprung
Spring
Dr.-Martin-Schmidt-Platz
Picnic site
Antons Blick
Viewpoint
Sösetal-Vorsperre
Lake
Sösestausee
Lake
Heidelbeerköpfe
Peak
Ziegenberger Teich
Lake
Entensumpf
Lake
Huttal
Valley
Brautbrunnen
Spring
Untere Lerchenkappe
Valley
Mittlere Lerchenkappe
Valley
Hangental
Valley
Unterer Nassenwieser Teich
Lake
Blockkötenkopf
Peak
Berghauptmannskopf
Peak
Quitschental
Valley
Brandkopf
Peak
Vossenke
Valley
Schwarze Tal
Valley
Tränkeberg
Peak
Schwarzenberg
Peak
Großes Kautztal
Valley
Wald im Blick
Viewpoint
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Head out on this 16.7-mile loop trail near Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Lower Saxony. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 18 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.
What is the expected weather this week for Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre?
Expected weather for Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre for the next 5 days is:
- Tue, September 22 - 62 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 54 degrees/showers
- Thu, September 24 - 58 degrees/foggy
- Fri, September 25 - 67 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 71 degrees/clear
Where is Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre located?
Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre is a trail located in Harz Nature Park.
How hard is Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre?
Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre is considered a hard hike that covers 16.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,353 ft. It takes about 8.5–9.5 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 Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre?
Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre is considered a hard hike that covers 16.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,353 ft. It takes about 8.5–9.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre a loop?
Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre is a loop trail that covers 16.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,353 ft. It takes about 8.5–9.5 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre?
Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre is a loop trail that covers 16.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,353 ft. It takes about 8.5–9.5 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
Are dogs allowed on Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre?
Dogs may be allowed on Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
Are there lakes at Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre?
Yes, Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre is near Bärenbrucher Teich, Sösetal-Vorsperre, Sösestausee, Ziegenberger Teich, and Entensumpf.
Are there scenic views at Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Ackerblick, Antons Blick, and Wald im Blick.
Are there forests at Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre?
Yes, Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre is a forest trail in Harz Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Duck Swamp and Soesetalsperre, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on September 18, 2026 at 1:04 am GMT+0