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Walk to Thale
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/ RosstrappePhoto: Minna Harshbarger, Macs Adventure -
/ RosstrappePhoto: Minna Harshbarger, Macs Adventure
This route is located passes through an area where there is road closure and is therefore also closed. Current information
The final section of the Harz Witches Trail is particularly beautiful and mystical. It is easy to see why so many legends and myths have arisen from such bewitching landscapes. Imposing rock faces and babbling brooks immerse you in the fairy-tale atmosphere of the Harz Mountains. Before reaching Thale, a detour to the Rosstrappe is recommended, from where you can enjoy fabulous views of the Bode River Valley.
From here, walk or take a bus or cable car to Thale and then a train onto Quedlingburg. A beautiful medieval town on the UNESCO World Heritage list made up of half-timbered houses, a towering castle and cathedral on the hill above town, Quedlinburg is one of the best-preserved medieval and renaissance towns in Europe and is the perfect place to finish your Harz Witches Trail.
Author’s recommendation
Thale Cable Car: www.seilbahnen-thale.de
Safety information
In rainy weather, the trails can be muddy and slippery. Take footwear with good tread that gives you support. Inquire about the current weather conditions (e.g. in your accommodation or at the local tourist information office).
Pay attention to any diversion information. On almost 100 kilometres, forestry work or storm damage can result in short-term diversions and road closures. You can find current trail information at www.harz-hexenstieg.de and www.harzinfo.de/erlebnisse/wandern/harzer-hexen-stieg/aktuelle-hinweise.html.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
START in the town centre in Treseburg, CROSS the bridge over the Bode River and TURN sharply LEFT once crossed. CONTINUE to follow the river on the right shore. The nature trail along the river leads you to the Bodekessel Gorge.
Pass the Gorge and CROSS the Bode river the Teufelsbrücke (the devil's bridge) and CONTINUE on the left bank. PASS the Gasthaus Königsruhe guesthouse and later the Katersteg bridge, BEAR LEFT to the Bode River. At the next junction you have several options (the GPS route guidance takes you to the Rosstrappe viewing platform): BEAR RIGHT, follow the path to the valley station of the suspension railway and travel via train to the Hexentanzplatz Square (payable on-site).
From here, take the bus to Thale. Or ride the suspension railway back to the valley station and hike from there to Thale. Information about the suspension railway can be found here: www.seilbahnen-thale.de
If you prefer to walk to Thale, follow the path STRIAGHT from behind the valley station and TURN RIGHT at the bridge over the Bode RIver. Follow Walther-Rathenau-Straße, Bahnhofstraße and Karl-Marx-Straße to the city centre.
If you prefer to visit the imposing granite rock Rosstrappe above the Bodetal, BEAR LEFT at the junction and BEAR LEFT again at the next junction to reach the Rosstrappe viewpoint. Take the chairlift to Thale (payable locally). More information about the chairlift at www.seilbahnen-thale.de
Explore Thale before taking the bus or train to Quedlinburg (payable locally) where you will overnight.
Note
Coordinates
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
Equipment
Sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing items and a waterproof/wind-break layer may all be required. Make sure to check the weather before you go to see if you need suncream or a waterproof layer, as the weather can change quickly.
Ensure your phone is fully charged; if you doubt the battery will last throughout the hike, it could be beneficial to bring a power bank.
Take plenty of water for the days walk - especially if a high temperature in the summer.
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