Harz Border Trail Stage 4: Brocken - Braunlage

This route follows stage 4 of the Harzer Grenzweg, a long-distance trail from Hornburg to Tettenborn, beginning on the Brocken summit and ending in Braunlage. The path descends alongside the historic Brockenbahn railway tracks, leading hikers past the Eckersprung and Dreieckiger Pfahl wooden shelters. It follows the steep, concrete-plated patrol road historically known as the Schnapsweg, passing the Kaffeehorst rest area at the base of the Wurmberg before concluding at the B27 border crossing. Overnight stays are accommodated in hotels and guesthouses in Braunlage; wild camping is strictly prohibited along this section. Hikers should pack winter traction or extra layers due to volatile alpine weather on the summit. A water filter is recommended to treat surface water from natural streams between stops. Both trailheads are accessible via public transit, including the historic Brockenbahn railway and local buses in Braunlage, with schedule details available at https://www.bahn.de. Der Harzer Grenzweg ist ein Fernwanderweg von Hornburg zum Grenzlandmuseum Tettenborn, der meist in 6 Etappen begangen wird.