Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail)
25.5miLength
4,137ftElevation gain
12.5–13.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
The scenic trail provides an opportunity to experience the natural beauty and rich railway history of the South Harz region. Starting from the edge of Nordhausen, the route follows along the historic railway line through peaceful city parks before heading into a rolling karst landscape. Exploring the open fields brings views of quiet meadows and small communities like Rüdigsdorf and Harzungen. A pleasant rest spot with a beautifully crafted wooden steam engine structure offers a nice place to pause. The trail concludes near the medieval castle ruins of Hohnstein, where old stone walls tell stories of past centuries.
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Top sights
Poppenberg
Peak
Knieberg
Peak
Bere
River
Dreitälerblick
Viewpoint
Rabensteiner Stollen
Attraction
Aussichtspunkt Herzberg-Wetterfahne
Hut
Burgruine Hohnstein
Castle
Ilburg
Castle
Wetterfahne
Viewpoint
Kaulberg
Peak
Ilgenborn
Spring
Falkenstein
Viewpoint
Poppenbergturm
Viewpoint
Campingplatz am Waldbad
Campsite
Gondelteich
Pond
Sandlünz
Peak
Falkenstein
Peak
Rabenkopf
Peak
Läuftenberg
Peak
Bielstein
Peak
Spielberg
Peak
Gottestal
Valley
Kupfertal
Valley
Hübbeltal
Valley
Herzberg
Peak
Schloßberg
Peak
Schweinetal
Valley
Hopfenberg
Peak
Galgenberg
Peak
Möhrenrücken
Peak
Burgberg
Peak
Bornberg
Peak
Butterberg
Peak
Kalkberg
Peak
Stöckey
Peak
Lichte Höhe
Peak
Oberer Bielstein
Viewpoint
Kupfertalklippen
Viewpoint
Voigtei
Ruins
Steinbergblick
Viewpoint
Burgbrunnen
Attraction
Hohnsteinwarte
Attraction
Lügenbank
Attraction
Osteroder Berg
Peak
Pferdebrunnen
Attraction
Holzkohlemeiler
Attraction
Hoffeberg
Peak
Hagenberg
Peak
Speckstal
Valley
Schneitelbuchen
Attraction
Alter Gipsbrennofen, Firma Steuerlein
Attraction
Top sights
Poppenberg
Peak
Knieberg
Peak
Bere
River
Dreitälerblick
Viewpoint
Rabensteiner Stollen
Attraction
Aussichtspunkt Herzberg-Wetterfahne
Hut
Burgruine Hohnstein
Castle
Ilburg
Castle
Wetterfahne
Viewpoint
Kaulberg
Peak
Ilgenborn
Spring
Falkenstein
Viewpoint
Poppenbergturm
Viewpoint
Campingplatz am Waldbad
Campsite
Gondelteich
Pond
Sandlünz
Peak
Falkenstein
Peak
Rabenkopf
Peak
Läuftenberg
Peak
Bielstein
Peak
Spielberg
Peak
Gottestal
Valley
Kupfertal
Valley
Hübbeltal
Valley
Herzberg
Peak
Schloßberg
Peak
Schweinetal
Valley
Hopfenberg
Peak
Galgenberg
Peak
Möhrenrücken
Peak
Burgberg
Peak
Bornberg
Peak
Butterberg
Peak
Kalkberg
Peak
Stöckey
Peak
Lichte Höhe
Peak
Oberer Bielstein
Viewpoint
Kupfertalklippen
Viewpoint
Voigtei
Ruins
Steinbergblick
Viewpoint
Burgbrunnen
Attraction
Hohnsteinwarte
Attraction
Lügenbank
Attraction
Osteroder Berg
Peak
Pferdebrunnen
Attraction
Holzkohlemeiler
Attraction
Hoffeberg
Peak
Hagenberg
Peak
Speckstal
Valley
Schneitelbuchen
Attraction
Alter Gipsbrennofen, Firma Steuerlein
Attraction
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Explore this 25.5-mile point-to-point trail near Harztor, Thuringia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 9 min to complete. This trail is great for camping and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.
What is the expected weather this week for Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail)?
Expected weather for Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail) for the next 5 days is:
- Sat, September 19 - 60 degrees/drizzle
- Sun, September 20 - 61 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 21 - 61 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 62 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 66 degrees/clear
Where is Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail) located?
Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail) is a trail located in Harztor, Thuringia, Germany.
How hard is Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail)?
Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail) is considered a hard hike that covers 25.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 4,137 ft. It takes about 12.5–13.5 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 Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail)?
Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail) is considered a hard hike that covers 25.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 4,137 ft. It takes about 12.5–13.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail) a point to point trail?
Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail) is a point to point trail that covers 25.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 4,137 ft. It takes about 12.5–13.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail)?
Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail) is a point to point trail that covers 25.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 4,137 ft. It takes about 12.5–13.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail)?
Dogs may be allowed on Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail). Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
Are there rivers at Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail)?
Yes, Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail) is near Bere.
Are there scenic views at Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail)?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail) features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Dreitälerblick, Wetterfahne, Falkenstein, Poppenbergturm, and Oberer Bielstein.
Is camping allowed at Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail)?
Camping is allowed on Südharzer Dampflok Steig (South Harz Steam Locomotive Trail). Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Last updated on September 18, 2026 at 11:44 pm GMT+0