Through the Eckerloch to the Brocken

Short Description

Scenic summit circular hike with the possibility for a break, as well as geological and botanical highlights.

Description

The trail from Schierke through the Eckerloch to the Brocken is one of the most traditional and popular hiking trails in the Harz region. Our hike starts at the National Park House in Schierke at the western edge of the village directly on the Brockenstraße. Before starting your hike, make sure to visit the exhibition here or consult with the National Park rangers about the trails to the Brocken and the weather conditions.

Route Description

After a short stretch on the Brockenstraße, we turn right after the waterworks and crossing the Schwarzes Schluftwasser, and follow the signs for Brocken via Eckerloch. In the valley of the Schwarzes Schluftwasser (Schluft from gorge), the trail becomes steeper and rockier. The stream originates from a spring bog on the southern slope of the Brocken.

Until we cross the Brocken Railway, we hike through forests that were once planted and used by humans until the recent past. Over 2000 years ago, the first forests in the Harz region were cleared to supply wood and charcoal for mining and ironworks. Natural forests could no longer meet the increasing demand for wood, leading to the replacement of forests with fast-growing spruces. Since the establishment of the National Park, these commercial forests are gradually transforming into natural mixed forests. Deciduous trees such as beech in the lower elevations and mountain maple or rowan in the higher altitudes are reclaiming their native habitats. However, due to the strong infestation of bark beetles, it will take many years before the dead spruces are replaced by a natural mixed forest. In some cases, the intervention of humans through forest development measures by the National Park is necessary.

After crossing the Brocken Railway track, it is not far to the shelter at Eckerloch. Before the steep ascent via the Eckerloch trail, it is recommended to take a break here. The path now leads uphill over large stones. There are no longer completely untouched primeval forests in Central Europe. However, there are a few remnants of very natural forests, including the 1000-hectare forest on the upper slopes of the Brocken. The harsh climate, low tree growth, and difficult accessibility largely spared this forest from the axe and saw. The dead wood now provides habitat for fungi, insects, and animals. Ferns and grasses dominate the forest floor.

After reaching the Brockenstraße and turning left, the forest becomes sparse again until only a few bizarre tree shapes resist the increasingly strong winds. At around 1,100 meters above sea level, we reach the tree line on the Brocken. As the northernmost natural tree line in Central Europe, it is particularly valuable for nature conservation. The Brocken, as the windiest mountain in Germany, is characterized by an exceptionally harsh climate. The average annual precipitation is 1,600 mm, and the average annual temperature is around 4°C. Due to this extraordinary climate, the Brocken, as the only peak in the German low mountain ranges, has a treeless summit. A heathland with dwarf shrubs and grasses extends here.

Once at the top, we recommend visiting the Brockenhaus, which serves as a National Park House and is open daily. With its numerous presentations, it provides information about the Harz National Park, flora, fauna, and geology, as well as the diverse history of the mountain. Further information about the Brocken summit can be found in the brochure The Brocken in the Harz National Park.

The return journey follows the same route. As an alternative to the Eckerloch trail, a slightly longer but easier descent via the Brockenstraße to Mönchsstein and then via the Alte Bobbahn and Neuer Weg back to Schierke is possible. Along this route, a short detour off the path to the primeval forest trail into the Brocken primeval forest is recommended. In total, this hike involves an ascent of approximately 500 meters on partially steep, rocky, and root-filled paths. Good footwear is essential.

Additional Information

National Park House Schierke
Tel. 03 94 55 / 4 77, www.nationalpark-harz.de

Brockenhaus, Tel. 03 94 55 / 5 00 05,
www.brockenhaus-harz.de

Tourist Information Schierke am Brocken
Tel. 03 94 55 / 86 80, www.schierke-am-brocken.de

Parking Information

Brockenparkplatz Schierke, Brockenstraße 56a, 38879 Wernigerode