Harz Witches' Trail Stage 5: Altenbrak - Thale

This route is the 5th and final stage of the Harzer Hexen-Stieg, forming the grand finale of the Harz crossing; this segment starts in Altenbrak and ends in Thale. The trail leads from the idyllic resort town of Altenbrak deep into the spectacular Bode Gorge. The path runs along the wild and romantic Bode River, passing towering granite cliffs and dense deciduous forests, and leading past prominent landmarks like the Roßtrappe and the opposite Hexentanzplatz (Witches' Dance Floor) before reaching the destination city of Thale. Overnight stays are available in hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals in Altenbrak, Treseburg, or Thale; wild camping is strictly prohibited in the Bode Gorge nature reserve. Potable water is reliably available in the stage towns, but a sufficient supply should be carried for the rocky and challenging path through the canyon. Both locations are connected to regional transportation; Thale has a train station with direct connections to Magdeburg and Berlin, while bus schedules for Altenbrak can be found at https://hvb-harz.de.