Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall
67% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
5.9miLength
1,230ftElevation gain
3–3.5hrEstimated time
Loop
Popular hiking trail in the Harz National Park, Lower Saxony.
A wonderful hike east of Altenau that leads to the Oberharz nature reserve. It starts at the parking lot on Steile Wand Straße. Along the Dammgraben it goes to the Magdeburger Weg, to the Nebentaler waterfall and past the Hedwigsblick vantage point. The Oberharzer Wasserregal, also known as the Upper Harz Water Management System, was created between the 16th and 19th centuries to divert and store water. It is considered the most important pre-industrial water management system in mining worldwide and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. The term "Regal" here comes from the royal sovereignty, under which the right to operate mining ("Bergregal") and to use water ("Water Regal") was granted.
Highlights of the route:
- Upper Harz nature reserve
- Nebentaler waterfall
- Viewpoint Hedwigsblick
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Nabentaler Wasserfall
Waterfall
Großes Spritzental
Valley
Tischlertal
Valley
Kellwassertal
Valley
Steile Wand
Cliff
Schachtkopf-Hütte
Hut
Hedwigsblick
Viewpoint
shaft head
Peak
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
Beat the crowds with weekly and monthly trail activity data from our communityTop trails nearby
Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Enjoy this 5.9-mile loop trail near Zellerfeld, Lower Saxony. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 59 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 March through November. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
What is the expected weather this week for Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall?
Expected weather for Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall 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 - 64 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 70 degrees/clear
Where is Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall located?
Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall is a trail located in Harz National Park.
How hard is Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall?
Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall is considered a moderate hike that covers 5.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,230 ft. It takes about 3–3.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall?
Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall is considered a moderate hike that covers 5.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,230 ft. It takes about 3–3.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall a loop?
Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall is a loop trail that covers 5.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,230 ft. It takes about 3–3.5 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 Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall?
Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall is a loop trail that covers 5.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,230 ft. It takes about 3–3.5 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 Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall, but must remain on a leash.
When is the best time of year to hike Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall?
March to November is the most popular time of year to visit Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall.
How busy is Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall?
According to trailgoers, Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall is usually busy. March to November is the most popular time of year to visit Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall.
Are there waterfalls at Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall?
Yes, Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall has a scenic view of Nabentaler Wasserfall.
Are there scenic views at Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall?
Yes, Hedwigsblick is located on Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall.
Are there forests at Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall?
Yes, Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall is a forest trail in Harz National Park.
Are there wildflowers at Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Oberharzer Wasserregal and Nabental Waterfall in Harz National Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 17, 2026 at 4:33 am GMT+0