From Stolberg to the Joseph Cross

Short description

The Eiffel Tower of the Harz, built in 1896, presents itself in the form of a 38 m high, iron double cross.

Description

The present form of the Josephs Cross is modeled after the plans of the architect Karl-Friedrich Schinkel for the tower built in 1834 from oak beams, which was destroyed by lightning in 1880.

Most popular and traditional hiking tour from Stolberg, not very strenuous, also recommended for families. Along the way, the Street of Songs invites you to sing and a nature trail. A place to stop for refreshments can be found at/on the Auerberg.

Directions

From the market towards Reicher Winkel (shortest alley with only 3 houses), Neustadt and Töpfergasse (smallest half-timbered houses in the city) to Stolberg Cemetery. The cemetery chapel Unserer Lieben Frauen was built in the 15th century. Ludwig Richter immortalized it in his painting Bridal Procession in Spring. Behind the chapel, straight ahead to the right, following the paved road, through Zechental, along the stream Kleine Wilde, to the hiking trail Alte Poststraße (red X). Keep left at Silberner Nagel, after a few meters you reach the Seven-Way Intersection and continue along the paved Alte Auerbergstraße towards Schindelbruch (blue dot). At the Street of Songs junction, a hiking trail with song stations of famous folk songs that invite you to sing, turn right uphill towards Josephs Cross (red X). After 300 m, you will meet the main hiking trail, which leads uphill to Josephshöhe on the right. The Josephs Cross will soon come into view, a unique technical monument, made of 123 tons of steel, held together by 100,000 rivets and to be climbed over 200 steps. From the top platform, there is a panoramic view over the Harz Mountains to the Brocken, towards Kyffhäuser and into the Thuringian countryside.

Retrace your steps a bit on the same path, about 100 m, until the first left turn (red X). The path leads somewhat steeper downhill to the Seven Ways. From here, continue on the paved Alte Auerbergstraße (blue dot) towards Schwarze Tafel (signpost with bench), Schneiderborn (spring by the wayside), and Stolberg. Keep slightly to the left of the main path (more scenic). At Schwarze Tafel, return to the Alte Auerbergstraße and back to Stolberg.

Additional information

Tourist Information Stolberg (Harz)
Niedergasse 17, 06536 Südharz | OT Stolberg (Harz)

034654 454
ti@rossla.de

Directions for arrival

By car: B 242 from Hasselfelde / Harzgerode

         A38 exit Berga, via Uftrungen, Rottleberode to Stolberg

Parking information

Free parking lot Kaltes Tal

Paid parking lot Am Saigerturm at Niedergasse 1