Harzer Witch Trail - Stage 4 Southern Variant - from Drei Annen Hohne via Hasselfelde to Altenbrak

Short Description

The southern stage leads over the Rappbode pre-dam and along the Hassel pre-dam to the plateau of the Central Harz Mountains with the charming spa town of Hasselfelde. The path then takes us to the Charcoal Burner Trail, following the fragrant scent of the charcoal kilns to the Charcoal Burner Museum. After Altenbrak, its just a short hop away.

Description

We reach Hasselfelde via the sun-drenched plateau of the Lower Harz Mountains. The Charcoal Burner Trail begins in the spa park of the town. Similar to mining in the Upper Harz, charcoal burning has left its mark in many places in this region. Information boards draw our attention to the relics in the landscape so we dont pass by them carelessly. The tradition of charcoal production is still lovingly maintained to this day. In the demonstration charcoal burning site at Stemberghaus, the kilns are smoking, and the fragrant scent permeates the forest from afar. If you have space, take a bag of genuine Harz charcoal home with you.

From Königshütte, we head towards Hasselfelde, against the flow of the Warm Bode river. We walk in the footsteps of emperors and kings and eventually come across the reclining Rappbode pre-dam. The remains of the Trageburg are barely recognizable now – but the shore still offers an idyllic picnic spot on mossy cushions. The castle once protected a ford across the Rappbode. This trade route was used over 1000 years ago. The journey continues over Hasselfelde along the Charcoal Burner Trail, passing by Stemberghaus on the way to Altenbrak.

Travel Information

Drei Annen Hohne is located on the L100 between Wernigerode and Schierke.

Altenbrak: Change from A36 to B81 in Blankenburg: turn onto L94 shortly before Wendefurth.

Parking Information

Paid parking spaces are available in Drei Annen Hohne and Altenbrak.