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Highlights
Hike the impressive eastern section of Harz Witches Trail through the mountains of Germany
Marvel at the beautiful views from the peak of Brocken Mountain
Visit the Könighshütter Waterfall and explore the caves at Bode Creek
Explore the awesome Bode Gorge, the “Grand Canyon” of Germany
Finish in the gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage City of Quedlinburg
The mystic forests of the Harz Mountains are home to Central Germany's award-winning “Witches Trail,” with more than 100km of footpaths that wind through valleys, rivers, and gorges.
The Harz Witches Trail Eastern Section Tour is a 7-day self-guided journey on the eastern half of the mountains, starting at Wernigerode and finishing at the UNESCO World Heritage city of Quedlinburg. During your adventure you'll reach the peak of Brocken Mountain, pass the rushing Könighshütter Waterfall, and explore the depths of the Bode Gorge. Every night you'll stay in charming villages and quaint small towns full of history and character. Take an unforgettable walk on the Witches Trail to see a path through the “Green Heart of Germany.”
The mystic forests of the Harz Mountains are home to Central Germany's award-winning “Witches Trail,” with more than 100km of footpaths that wind through valleys, rivers, and gorges.
The Harz Witches Trail Eastern Section Tour is a 7-day self-guided journey on the eastern half of the mountains, starting at Wernigerode and finishing at the UNESCO World Heritage city of Quedlinburg. During your adventure you'll reach the peak of Brocken Mountain, pass the rushing Könighshütter Waterfall, and explore the depths of the Bode Gorge. Every night you'll stay in charming villages and quaint small towns full of history and character. Take an unforgettable walk on the Witches Trail to see a path through the “Green Heart of Germany.”
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Harz Witches Trail Eastern Section Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Wernigerode
The charming old town of Wernigerode has a number of sights to visit, including the regal Wernigerode Castle that overlooks the town and the rows of classic timber-frame houses that have stood the test of time.
Overnight in Wernigerode and rest up before the big hike.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Wernigerode
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Harz Railway to Brocken Mountain
Take a delightful train ride on the Harz Narrow-Gauge Railway to Brocken Mountain, with fantastic views of northern Germany below you.
From the mountaintop, start your descent on the Harz Witches Trail passing huge granite rock formations and ending the day in Schierke.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Schierke
Distance: 3 hours, 10km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Schierke to Rübeland
The downhill path on today’s walk takes you to the beautiful Könighshütter Waterfall and Bode Creek, where high-quality limestone is sourced.
Admire the beautiful views from Hoher Kleef and continue to Rübeland, where you can check out the area’s impressive limestone caves.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Rübeland
Distance: 6 hours, 22km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Rübeland to Bode Gorge
Passing through idyllic meadows and lush forests, make your way from Rübeland to the forested village of Altenbrak, reaching the foothills of the Bode Gorge. This region is nicknamed “the Grand Canyon of Germany” and is one of the most photo-worthy spots on the tour.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Altenbrak
Distance: 4.5 hours, 15km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Bode Gorge to Thale
On your last hiking day you experience the granite rocks of the Bodetal “the Grand Canyon of Germany”. While wandering on narrow paths, you will be delighted by unique rock ravines. By crossing the devil’s bridge you reach Thale. The town is especially known for its legendary fairy ring and the Rosstrappe of granite crag. Both are easily reachable via cable car (ticket not included). Within minutes you reach your final destination Quedlinburg by train.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Thale
Distance: 4 hours, approx. 14km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Thale to Quedlinburg
The final leg of your journey on the Witches Trail is a train ride from Thale to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Quedlinburg. Recognized for its beautifully-preserved architecture like the Romanesque monastery of St. Servatius. There’s lots to see and enjoy in this historic city!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Quedlinburg
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Departure from Quedlinburg
With lots of amazing photos and memories to take home with you, your walking holiday comes to an end today.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Harz Witches Trail Eastern Section Price and Dates
This self-guided hiking tour to the Harz Mountains is run as a private tour for your group and the price per person is fixed.2025 Departures: The departures are available daily, from April to October.
- Single room: from EUR879*
- Sharing a double room: from EUR689*
Accommodation on Harz Witches Trail Eastern Section
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you are a solo traveller or prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
What’s Included in the Harz Witches Trail Eastern Section?
Meals
6 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. You can also add on additional nights at any of the overnight locations along the tour route to extend your stay. Accommodations before and after the tour can further be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage from hotel to hotel is included throughout the tour. The train ticket from Thale to Quedlinburg is also included.
Also Included
- 1 package with maps and information per room (in English)
- Service hotline during the walking tour
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Transportation to/from Wernigerode and Quedlinburg
- Entrance fees where applicable
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- How hard is the Harz Witches Trail Eastern Section Tour?
- Do I have to carry my luggage?
- Are meals included on the Harz Witches Trail Eastern Section Tour?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- How do I get to Wernigerode to start this tour?
- Where does the Harz Witches Trail Eastern Section Tour end?
- Can I stay longer in some of the locations?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Germany?
- Do I need insurance?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Germany?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Germany?
- When is the best time to travel to Germany for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. This tour requires participants to have a suitable level of fitness for consecutive days of walking or hiking long distances and some elements of climbing. Active hikers will be best suited for this tour.
Your luggage will be sent from hotel to hotel every day along the tour so you do not have to carry your bags with you.
6 breakfasts are included.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Fly into Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and take the Harz-Berlin-Express train to Wernigerode. There are also trains from Hannover Airport (HAJ) to Wernigerode.
The tour ends in Quedlinburg after you check out from your hotel. There are trains from Quedlinburg to the cities of Hanover or Berlin. The nearest airport to Quedlinburg is Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ).
Yes, you can stay for additional nights in any of the overnight locations mentioned in the tour. We will be happy to help you arrange accommodations.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Saxony for this hike is from May to September when the weather tends to be warm and mostly clear.
Customer Ratings
AugustusTours is an established tour operator in Dresden which is well known for its customized tours for both groups and individual travellers. As an experienced incoming operator, we do not only organize city and cultural tours to the capital of Saxony and the picturesque surroundings including the enchanting vineyards of the Elbe valley. Besides classical city tour programmes, we also offer trips to the sights of the region.
