Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken
67% of reviewers say this trail is hard
6.5miLength
2,588ftElevation gain
3.5–4hrEstimated time
Point to point
This route follows stage 3 of the Harzer Grenzweg, a long-distance trail from Hornburg to Tettenborn, beginning at the Molkenhaus near Bad Harzburg and ending on the Brocken summit. The trail passes the Eckertalsperre dam and the Scharfenstein ranger station before ascending steeply over rugged concrete patrol plates into the high-altitude terrain of Harz National Park. Overnight stays are accommodated at the summit Brockenhotel or in guesthouses in nearby Schierke; wild camping is strictly prohibited. Hikers should bring winter traction or extra layers due to volatile mountain weather. A water filter is recommended to treat surface water from natural streams between stops. Both trailheads are accessible via seasonal buses at Molkenhaus and the historic Brockenbahn railway, with schedules available at https://www.bahn.de. Der Harzer Grenzweg ist ein Fernwanderweg von Hornburg zum Grenzlandmuseum Tettenborn, der meist in 6 Etappen begangen wird.
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Part of a multi-day route
Harz Border Trail
Top sights
Aussichtsplattform über der Brockenherberge
Viewpoint
Brockenuhr
Attraction
Fohlenkopf
Peak
Mittelkopf
Peak
Eckertalsperre
Reservoir
Kleiner Brocken
Peak
Brocken
Peak
Gipfelstein Brocken
Attraction
Scharfenstein
Peak
Teufelskanzel und Hexenaltar
Attraction
Scharfenstein
Picnic site
Ecker
River
Eckertal
Valley
Grillplatz Molkenhaus
Picnic site
Eiserner Tisch
Hut
Bismarckklippe
Viewpoint
Plasterstoßklippe
Peak
Dielenwegs Kopf
Peak
Quitzenborn
Peak
Top sights
Aussichtsplattform über der Brockenherberge
Viewpoint
Brockenuhr
Attraction
Fohlenkopf
Peak
Mittelkopf
Peak
Eckertalsperre
Reservoir
Kleiner Brocken
Peak
Brocken
Peak
Gipfelstein Brocken
Attraction
Scharfenstein
Peak
Teufelskanzel und Hexenaltar
Attraction
Scharfenstein
Picnic site
Ecker
River
Eckertal
Valley
Grillplatz Molkenhaus
Picnic site
Eiserner Tisch
Hut
Bismarckklippe
Viewpoint
Plasterstoßklippe
Peak
Dielenwegs Kopf
Peak
Quitzenborn
Peak
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Discover this 6.5-mile point-to-point trail near Bad Harzburg, Lower Saxony. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 33 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking and 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 Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken?
Expected weather for Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken for the next 5 days is:
- Tue, September 22 - 63 degrees/klart
- Wed, September 23 - 56 degrees/byger
- Thu, September 24 - 60 degrees/klart
- Fri, September 25 - 65 degrees/klart
- Sat, September 26 - 70 degrees/klart
Where is Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken located?
Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken is a trail located in Bad Harzburg, Lower Saxony, Germany.
How hard is Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken?
Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken is considered a hard hike that covers 6.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,588 ft. It takes about 3.5–4 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 Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken?
Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken is considered a hard hike that covers 6.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,588 ft. It takes about 3.5–4 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken a point to point trail?
Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken is a point to point trail that covers 6.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,588 ft. It takes about 3.5–4 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken?
Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken is a point to point trail that covers 6.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,588 ft. It takes about 3.5–4 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken?
Dogs may be allowed on Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken?
March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken.
How busy is Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken?
According to trailgoers, Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken is usually busy. March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken.
Are there scenic views at Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Aussichtsplattform über der Brockenherberge and Bismarckklippe.
Are there rivers at Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken?
Yes, Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken is near Ecker.
Is backpacking allowed at Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken?
Backpacking is allowed on Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. 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 Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken is partially paved.
Are there forests at Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken?
Yes, Harz Border Trail Stage 3: Molkenhaus - Brocken is a forest trail.
Last updated on September 20, 2026 at 11:40 pm GMT+0