Fall and winter magic in the Harz Mountains

Family Hiking Weekend around Wernigerode and Ilsenburg

Day 1: Arrival and Circular Walk

3:00 p.m.

Check in at the Waldbewohner Apartments
Followed by a circular walk through the Ilse valley along the banks of the Ilse

6:00 p.m.

Dinner in the restaurant "Wilde Ilse" or "Gasthof Vogelmühle" (within walking distance of the accommodation and the hiking trail, in the immediate vicinity of the pump track)

Interior view of the Waldbewohner Apartments

The Harz hiking pin (Harzer Wandernadel) is a popular badge and collection system for hiking enthusiasts in the Harz Mountains. Over 200 stamping points are scattered throughout the region - from mystical rocks to viewpoints and castle ruins. With a hiking pass, you can collect stamps, progress from "Hiking Prince" to "Harz Hiking Emperor" and discover the most beautiful corners of the Harz in a fun way.

Become a Hiking Emperor!

Day 2: Harz Narrow-Gauge Railroad and Aviation History

10:00 a.m.

Ride on the Harz narrow-gauge railroad from Wernigerode to Drei Annen Hohne (you can use the Deutschland-Ticket on the route)
Alternatively, you can also use bus route 274 ("Der Ilsetaler") from Ilsenburg (until 30 October)
Hike along the Dandelion Discovery Trail and then visit the HohneHof Nature Discovery Center
Then return to Wernigerode: a Harzer Wandernadel stamping station awaits you at Hohnehof, playground available

Bad weather alternative: Brockenbad in the Hasseröder vacation park

3:00 p.m.

Visit to the Aviation Museum in Wernigerode, special audio tour for children available (flight simulator can also be booked in advance)

6:00 p.m.

Dinner at the Hasseröder Burghotel in Wernigerode
Alternative: Dinner at the Nagelschmiede in Ilsenburg

Drei Annen Hohne station with narrow-gauge railroad

Brockenbad in the Hasseröder vacation park

The Harz National Park is one of the largest forest national parks in Germany and protects a unique low mountain range landscape covering around 24,700 hectares. From deep forests to moors and up to the Brocken, it provides a habitat for rare animals such as lynx and black storks - and unforgettable nature experiences for visitors.

Discover the Harz Mountains!

Day 3: Hike along the Heinrich Heine Trail

10:00 a.m.

Hike along the Heinrich Heine Trail through the Ilse Valley via the Plessenburg and the Ilsestein

12:00 p.m.

Lunch at the Plessenburg forest inn, followed by the return hike
Departure

Accommodation Tips

Forest dweller apartments https://waldbewohner.de/

Kurparkhotel https://www.kurparkhotel-ilsenburg.de/

Gastronomy & Culinary Tips

Wild Ilse: Wilde Ilse | Your restaurant in Ilsenburg

Hasseröder Burghotel: Welcome to the Hasseröder Burghotel - Hasseröder Burghotel

Nagelschmiede: Nagelschmiede - Restaurant in Ilsenburg

Event Highlights

29.10.-02.11.2025: chocolART Wernigerode - The chocolate festival in Wernigerode

Christmas markets 2025:

Wernigerode 21.11.-22.12.
Quedlinburg 26.11.-24.12.
Halberstadt 25.11.-23.12.

Luftbild Stiftskirche St. Servatii Quedlinburg

The Harz Mountains in Saxony-Anhalt impress with their unique blend of nature, culture and history. Wild gorges such as the Bode Valley, dense forests and the legendary Brocken are just as enticing as picturesque half-timbered towns such as Quedlinburg and Wernigerode. Mystical legends, castles and monasteries meet modern experiences such as the Harz narrow-gauge railroad or adventures on spectacular suspension bridges. This diversity makes the Harz Mountains a region full of magic and variety - truly special in Saxony-Anhalt.