Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau
16.9miLength
3,061ftElevation gain
8.5–9hrEstimated time
Loop
Popular hike in the Harz Nature Park, Lower Saxony.
From Clausthal-Zellerfeld to Altenau, you can experience a UNESCO World Heritage Site up close: The Upper Harz Water Shelf (also: Upper Harz Water Management), an extensive water supply system from the 16th to 19th centuries.
The starting point the street "Am Ostbahnhof" (parking at Aldi or Marktkauf). First you walk a short distance along the main road in the direction of Altenau, then you turn left onto a gravel road to the peacock ponds. The first trenches can be seen between the peacock ponds. After leaving the colliery parking lot behind you, you reach the impressive Sperberhaier Damm, an aqueduct created in the 18th century. The Sperberhaier Dammhaus is a good place to stop for refreshments. There is also a bus stop where you can take a bus back to Clausthal-Zellerfeld if necessary. It continues through landscapes traversed by ditches to Altenau (refreshment stops).
Highlights of the hike:
- UNESCO World Heritage Upper Harz Water Management
- Clausthal-Zellerfeld
- The mountain town of Altenau
- Views over the Harz
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Okertal
Valley
Kleines Okertal
Valley
Totenmännertal
Valley
Fieke Märtens Brunnen
Spring
Großes Okertal
Valley
Stadtmitte
Viewpoint
Eisenquelle
Spring
Polstertal
Valley
Oberer Pfauenteich
Lake
Jägersbleeker Teich
Lake
Mittlerer Pfauenteich
Lake
Glockenberg
Peak
Schultal
Valley
Tränketal
Valley
Polsterloch
Valley
August Weppner Hütte
Weather shelter
Schützenklippe
Peak
Stellplatz Kristall-Saunatherme
Caravan site
Kleiner Kautzkopf
Peak
Treuer Friedrich
Weather shelter
Great Crested Grebe
Peak
Haldenkappe
Valley
Kleines Kautztal
Valley
Polsterberg
Peak
Goethehaus
Building
Oberharzer Waldbühne
Attraction
Top sights
Okertal
Valley
Kleines Okertal
Valley
Totenmännertal
Valley
Fieke Märtens Brunnen
Spring
Großes Okertal
Valley
Stadtmitte
Viewpoint
Eisenquelle
Spring
Polstertal
Valley
Oberer Pfauenteich
Lake
Jägersbleeker Teich
Lake
Mittlerer Pfauenteich
Lake
Glockenberg
Peak
Schultal
Valley
Tränketal
Valley
Polsterloch
Valley
August Weppner Hütte
Weather shelter
Schützenklippe
Peak
Stellplatz Kristall-Saunatherme
Caravan site
Kleiner Kautzkopf
Peak
Treuer Friedrich
Weather shelter
Great Crested Grebe
Peak
Haldenkappe
Valley
Kleines Kautztal
Valley
Polsterberg
Peak
Goethehaus
Building
Oberharzer Waldbühne
Attraction
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Discover this 16.9-mile loop trail near Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Lower Saxony. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 3 min to complete. This trail is great for backpacking, hiking, and trail running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.
What is the expected weather this week for Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau?
Expected weather for Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau for the next 5 days is:
- Fri, September 25 - 66 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 68 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 73 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 28 - 76 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 29 - 71 degrees/clear
Where is Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau located?
Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau is a trail located in Harz Nature Park.
How hard is Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau?
Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau is considered a hard hike that covers 16.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,061 ft. It takes about 8.5–9 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 Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau?
Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau is considered a hard hike that covers 16.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,061 ft. It takes about 8.5–9 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau a loop?
Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau is a loop trail that covers 16.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,061 ft. It takes about 8.5–9 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 Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau?
Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau is a loop trail that covers 16.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,061 ft. It takes about 8.5–9 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 Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau?
Dogs may be allowed on Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
Are there scenic views at Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau?
Yes, Stadtmitte is located on Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau.
Are there lakes at Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau?
Yes, Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau is near Oberer Pfauenteich, Jägersbleeker Teich, and Mittlerer Pfauenteich.
Is there running at Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau?
Yes, trailgoers have said that Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau is good for running. This trail covers 16.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,061 ft.
Is backpacking allowed at Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau?
Backpacking is allowed on Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau. 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 Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau?
Yes, Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau is a forest trail in Harz Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Upper Harz Wasserregal between Clausthal and Altenau in Harz Nature Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 25, 2026 at 1:33 am GMT+0