Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop
64% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
9.3miLength
1,870ftElevation gain
5–5.5hrEstimated time
Loop
Popular, exciting hiking trail in the Harz National Park, Saxony-Anhalt.
This route leads through the Ilsen Valley to the Ilse Falls. The route starts on the southern outskirts of Ilsenburg and follows the Heinrich Heine hiking trail. After a while, the Ilse is reached, whose course the route follows as it leads through unspoilt deciduous forest. On the hike, rugged, lichen-covered rocks alternate with beech and sycamore forests.
There is a paid parking lot at the starting point.
The Harz hiking pins 2, 6 and 8 can be collected along the way.
Highlights of the hike:
- Old bobsleigh run
- Green Belt
- Crossing the Black Silt Water
- Ascent to the Eckerloch
- Primeval forest climb
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Top sights
Rohntal
Valley
Ilsestein
Peak
Heinrich Heine Gedenkstein
Attraction
Prinzess-Ilse-Quelle
Spring
Zanthierplatz
Hut
Ilsestein
Attraction
Ilsefälle
Waterfall
Bremer Hütte
Hut
Großes Sandtal
Valley
Hermannsklippe
Viewpoint
Scharfenstein
Peak
Scharfenstein
Picnic site
Wanderlust Ilsetal
Caravan site
Schutzhütte "Stempelsbuche"
Hut
Kleines Sandtal
Valley
Oberer Meineckenberg
Peak
Tiefenbeekskopf
Peak
Sandtalskopf
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
Ilsefälle
Waterfall
Bremer Hütte
Hut
Großes Sandtal
Valley
Hermannsklippe
Viewpoint
Scharfenstein
Peak
Scharfenstein
Picnic site
Wanderlust Ilsetal
Caravan site
Schutzhütte "Stempelsbuche"
Hut
Kleines Sandtal
Valley
Oberer Meineckenberg
Peak
Tiefenbeekskopf
Peak
Sandtalskopf
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?
Discover this 9.3-mile loop trail near Ilsenburg, Saxony-Anhalt. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 37 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.
What is the expected weather this week for Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop?
Expected weather for Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop for the next 5 days is:
- Tue, September 22 - 64 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 57 degrees/drizzle
- Thu, September 24 - 61 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 66 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 70 degrees/clear
Where is Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop located?
Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop is a trail located in Harz National Park.
How hard is Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop?
Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop is considered a moderate hike that covers 9.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,870 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop?
Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop is considered a moderate hike that covers 9.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,870 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop a loop?
Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop is a loop trail that covers 9.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,870 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 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 Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop?
Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop is a loop trail that covers 9.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,870 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 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 Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop?
Dogs may be allowed on Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop?
March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop.
How busy is Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop?
According to trailgoers, Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop is usually busy. March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop.
Are there waterfalls at Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop?
Yes, Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop has a scenic view of Ilsefälle.
Are there scenic views at Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop?
Yes, Hermannsklippe is located on Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop.
Are there forests at Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop?
Yes, Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop is a forest trail in Harz National Park.
Are there wildflowers at Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Ilsen Valley and Illsen Falls Loop in Harz National Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 22, 2026 at 3:33 pm GMT+0