Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus
100% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
13.8miLength
3,228ftElevation gain
7–8hrEstimated time
Point to point
This route is stage 2 of the Harz Witches’ Trail, a long-distance route crossing the Harz Mountains from Buntenbock to Torfhaus. The path leads through the heart of the Upper Harz, following the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Harz Water Management System. Hikers pass scenic mountain meadows and the ascent at the Steile Wand before reaching Torfhaus, which offers views of the Brocken.
Stays occur in guesthouses and hotels in Buntenbock or Torfhaus, as wild camping is strictly prohibited in the national park. Water is reliable in the villages, though supplies are needed for the climb toward the high moors. Both points are accessible via regional buses with schedules at https://hvb-harz.de.
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Part of a multi-day route
Harz Witches' Trail
Top sights
Nabentaler Wasserfall
Waterfall
Großes Spritzental
Valley
Kleines Okertal
Valley
Totenmännertal
Valley
Obere Lerchenkappe
Valley
Fieke Märtens Brunnen
Spring
Innerstesprung
Spring
Tischlertal
Valley
Großes Okertal
Valley
Kellwassertal
Valley
Dr.-Martin-Schmidt-Platz
Picnic site
Silberbrunnen
Spring
Steile Wand
Cliff
Schachtkopf-Hütte
Hut
Eisenquelle
Spring
Polstertal
Valley
Tränketal
Valley
Entensumpf
Lake
Huttal
Valley
Kleiner Kautzkopf
Peak
shaft head
Peak
Great Crested Grebe
Peak
Haldenkappe
Valley
Kleines Kautztal
Valley
Wald im Blick
Viewpoint
Top sights
Nabentaler Wasserfall
Waterfall
Großes Spritzental
Valley
Kleines Okertal
Valley
Totenmännertal
Valley
Obere Lerchenkappe
Valley
Fieke Märtens Brunnen
Spring
Innerstesprung
Spring
Tischlertal
Valley
Großes Okertal
Valley
Kellwassertal
Valley
Dr.-Martin-Schmidt-Platz
Picnic site
Silberbrunnen
Spring
Steile Wand
Cliff
Schachtkopf-Hütte
Hut
Eisenquelle
Spring
Polstertal
Valley
Tränketal
Valley
Entensumpf
Lake
Huttal
Valley
Kleiner Kautzkopf
Peak
shaft head
Peak
Great Crested Grebe
Peak
Haldenkappe
Valley
Kleines Kautztal
Valley
Wald im Blick
Viewpoint
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Check out this 13.8-mile point-to-point trail near Buntenbock, Lower Saxony. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 57 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 April through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
What is the expected weather this week for Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus?
Expected weather for Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus for the next 5 days is:
- Sun, September 20 - 57 degrees/drizzle
- Mon, September 21 - 57 degrees/drizzle
- Tue, September 22 - 61 degrees/drizzle
- Wed, September 23 - 55 degrees/drizzle
- Thu, September 24 - 58 degrees/clear
Where is Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus located?
Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus is a trail located in Harz Nature Park.
How hard is Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus?
Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus is considered a hard hike that covers 13.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,228 ft. It takes about 7–8 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 Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus?
Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus is considered a hard hike that covers 13.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,228 ft. It takes about 7–8 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus a point to point trail?
Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus is a point to point trail that covers 13.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,228 ft. It takes about 7–8 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 Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus?
Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus is a point to point trail that covers 13.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,228 ft. It takes about 7–8 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 Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus. Double check regulations about going off leash.
When is the best time of year to hike Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus?
April to October is the most popular time of year to visit Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus.
How busy is Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus?
According to trailgoers, Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus is usually busy. April to October is the most popular time of year to visit Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus.
Are there waterfalls at Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus?
Yes, Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus has a scenic view of Nabentaler Wasserfall.
Are there lakes at Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus?
Yes, Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus is near Entensumpf.
Are there scenic views at Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus?
Yes, Wald im Blick is located on Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus.
Is backpacking allowed at Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus?
Backpacking is allowed on Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus. 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.
Are there forests at Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus?
Yes, Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus is a forest trail in Harz Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Harz Witches' Trail Stage 2: Buntenbock - Torfhaus in Harz Nature Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 20, 2026 at 12:22 pm GMT+0