Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg
85% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
8.5miLength
1,637ftElevation gain
4.5–5hrEstimated time
Loop
Beautiful loop in the Harz National Park, Saxony-Anhalt.
There are cliffs, waterfalls and historical monuments to be discovered on this magnificent hike. Wide views of the Harz landscape can be enjoyed again and again. In the forest restaurant Plessenburg there is the possibility to stop.
Highlights:
- National Park House Ilsetal
- Ilsestein
- Paternoster Cliff
- Ilse waterfalls
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Top sights
Rohntal
Valley
Ilsestein
Peak
Heinrich Heine Gedenkstein
Attraction
Prinzess-Ilse-Quelle
Spring
Zanthierplatz
Hut
Ilsestein
Attraction
Aussichtspunkt Paternosterklippe
Viewpoint
Ilsenburg-Blick
Viewpoint
Schloss Ilsenburg
Castle
Ilsefälle
Waterfall
Bremer Hütte
Hut
Großes Sandtal
Valley
Tänntal
Valley
Kammerberg
Peak
Unterer Gebbertsberg
Peak
Gesteinslehrpfad
Attraction
Altenstübchen
Attraction
Wanderlust Ilsetal
Caravan site
Kleines Sandtal
Valley
Gehrental
Valley
Stumpfrücken
Peak
Dreisage Blocksberg
Peak
WildnisStieg
Attraction
Nationalparkhaus Ilsenburg
Attraction
Wassertreten
Attraction
Top sights
Rohntal
Valley
Ilsestein
Peak
Heinrich Heine Gedenkstein
Attraction
Prinzess-Ilse-Quelle
Spring
Zanthierplatz
Hut
Ilsestein
Attraction
Aussichtspunkt Paternosterklippe
Viewpoint
Ilsenburg-Blick
Viewpoint
Schloss Ilsenburg
Castle
Ilsefälle
Waterfall
Bremer Hütte
Hut
Großes Sandtal
Valley
Tänntal
Valley
Kammerberg
Peak
Unterer Gebbertsberg
Peak
Gesteinslehrpfad
Attraction
Altenstübchen
Attraction
Wanderlust Ilsetal
Caravan site
Kleines Sandtal
Valley
Gehrental
Valley
Stumpfrücken
Peak
Dreisage Blocksberg
Peak
WildnisStieg
Attraction
Nationalparkhaus Ilsenburg
Attraction
Wassertreten
Attraction
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Explore this 8.5-mile loop trail near Ilsenburg, Saxony-Anhalt. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 9 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 October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
What is the expected weather this week for Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg?
Expected weather for Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg for the next 5 days is:
- Mon, September 21 - 60 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 63 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 57 degrees/showers
- Thu, September 24 - 63 degrees/foggy
- Fri, September 25 - 71 degrees/clear
Where is Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg located?
Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg is a trail located in Harz National Park.
How hard is Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg?
Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg is considered a moderate hike that covers 8.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,637 ft. It takes about 4.5–5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg?
Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg is considered a moderate hike that covers 8.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,637 ft. It takes about 4.5–5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg a loop?
Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg is a loop trail that covers 8.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,637 ft. It takes about 4.5–5 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 Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg?
Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg is a loop trail that covers 8.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,637 ft. It takes about 4.5–5 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 Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg, but must remain on a leash.
When is the best time of year to hike Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg?
March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg.
How busy is Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg?
According to trailgoers, Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg is usually very busy. March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg.
Are there scenic views at Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Aussichtspunkt Paternosterklippe and Ilsenburg-Blick.
Are there waterfalls at Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg?
Yes, Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg has a scenic view of Ilsefälle.
Are there forests at Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg?
Yes, Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg is a forest trail in Harz National Park.
Are there wildflowers at Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Through the Ilsetal to the Plessenburg, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on September 21, 2026 at 12:33 am GMT+0