Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg
43% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
14.9miLength
3,628ftElevation gain
8.5–9hrEstimated time
Loop
Popular hiking trail with great views in the Harz National Park, Saxony-Anhalt.
The hike begins in Ilsenburg and follows the Heinrich-Heine-Weg to the highest mountain in the Harz Mountains, the legendary Brocken. The poet Heinrich Heine followed this path on his journey through the Harz Mountains in 1824. Through unspoilt beech forests and past fascinating rock formations, the path leads on winding forest paths through the Ilse valley, past the Ilsestein and the Ilse falls up to the Brocken. The first half of the trail leads steadily uphill before the last few kilometers climb steeply to the summit of the Brocken. The second half then leads downhill via the Brockenstraße and along the Ilse back to the starting point. There are places to stop for refreshments on the Brocken and in Ilsenburg.
Highlights of the hike:
- Bremen Hut
- Hermann Cliff
- Heinrich Heine monument
- Brocken
- Ilsenburg National Park House
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Rohntal
Valley
Ilsestein
Peak
Aussichtsplattform über der Brockenherberge
Viewpoint
Brockenuhr
Attraction
Heinrich Heine Gedenkstein
Attraction
Prinzess-Ilse-Quelle
Spring
Zanthierplatz
Hut
Ilsestein
Attraction
Ilse
River
Ilsefälle
Waterfall
Bremer Hütte
Hut
Großes Sandtal
Valley
Hermannsklippe
Viewpoint
Knochenbrecherkurve
Weather shelter
Kleiner Brocken
Peak
Brockenkinder
Peak
Brocken
Peak
Gipfelstein Brocken
Attraction
Heinrichshöhe
Peak
Teufelskanzel und Hexenaltar
Attraction
Brockentor
Peak
Wanderlust Ilsetal
Caravan site
Schutzhütte "Stempelsbuche"
Hut
Eiserner Tisch
Hut
Bismarckklippe
Viewpoint
Plasterstoßklippe
Peak
Kleines Sandtal
Valley
Oberer Meineckenberg
Peak
WildnisStieg
Attraction
Nationalparkhaus Ilsenburg
Attraction
Wassertreten
Attraction
Top sights
Rohntal
Valley
Ilsestein
Peak
Aussichtsplattform über der Brockenherberge
Viewpoint
Brockenuhr
Attraction
Heinrich Heine Gedenkstein
Attraction
Prinzess-Ilse-Quelle
Spring
Zanthierplatz
Hut
Ilsestein
Attraction
Ilse
River
Ilsefälle
Waterfall
Bremer Hütte
Hut
Großes Sandtal
Valley
Hermannsklippe
Viewpoint
Knochenbrecherkurve
Weather shelter
Kleiner Brocken
Peak
Brockenkinder
Peak
Brocken
Peak
Gipfelstein Brocken
Attraction
Heinrichshöhe
Peak
Teufelskanzel und Hexenaltar
Attraction
Brockentor
Peak
Wanderlust Ilsetal
Caravan site
Schutzhütte "Stempelsbuche"
Hut
Eiserner Tisch
Hut
Bismarckklippe
Viewpoint
Plasterstoßklippe
Peak
Kleines Sandtal
Valley
Oberer Meineckenberg
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?
Get to know this 14.9-mile loop trail near Ilsenburg, Saxony-Anhalt. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 5 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 April through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
What is the expected weather this week for Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg?
Expected weather for Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg for the next 5 days is:
- Sat, September 26 - 72 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 77 degrees/drizzle
- Mon, September 28 - 78 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 29 - 75 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 30 - 75 degrees/clear
Where is Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg located?
Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg is a trail located in Harz National Park.
How hard is Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg?
Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg is considered a hard hike that covers 14.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,628 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 Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg?
Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg is considered a hard hike that covers 14.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,628 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 Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg a loop?
Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg is a loop trail that covers 14.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,628 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 Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg?
Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg is a loop trail that covers 14.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,628 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 Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg, but must remain on a leash.
When is the best time of year to hike Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg?
April to October is the most popular time of year to visit Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg.
How busy is Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg?
According to trailgoers, Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg is usually very busy. April to October is the most popular time of year to visit Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg.
Are there scenic views at Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Aussichtsplattform über der Brockenherberge, Hermannsklippe, and Bismarckklippe.
Are there rivers at Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg?
Yes, Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg is near Ilse.
Are there waterfalls at Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg?
Yes, Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg has a scenic view of Ilsefälle.
Is Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg is partially paved.
Are there forests at Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg?
Yes, Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg is a forest trail in Harz National Park.
Are there wildflowers at Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Heinrich-Heine-Weg - Brocken - Ilsenburg in Harz National Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 25, 2026 at 5:23 pm GMT+0