Harzer Klosterwanderweg Goslar-Halberstadt

Short Description

Until 2024, the Harz Monastery Trail ran between the two World Heritage Sites Goslar and Quedlinburg. In spring 2024, the trail will be expanded by the 7th stage from Quedlinburg to Halberstadt. The track is already available, and on-site signage will be gradually implemented in 2024. Two attractive destinations now enrich the trail: Halberstadt Cathedral and Cathedral Treasury, and the Burchard Monastery - where the monastery trail ends/starts. The potential for relaxation for body, mind, and soul is excellently combined with the finest cultural delights – like a string of pearls, hikers and pilgrims will experience a diverse monastery and church landscape over approximately 115 km.

Description

For centuries, the Harz monasteries have shaped the cultural and economic development of the Harz region. With seven stages ranging from 10 to 22 km and with no significant differences in altitude, hikers immerse themselves in the world of fragrant monastery gardens, Gothic cloisters, and fascinating churches. Monasteries are experienced as venues, museums, and distilleries, as special places of spirituality and as good hosts. Along the way, hikers keep the Brocken, the spires of the Harz, and the gentle hills of the northern Harz foothills in view. Particularly romantic are the river landscapes of Oker, Ecker, and Bode, magnificent the Devils Wall near Blankenburg and Thale. Hikers pass through the enchanting Shimmer Forest and walk along the former inner-German border and past fish-rich monastery ponds. Treasures of Romanesque church art lie with the monastery churches in Drübeck and Ilsenburg, the collegiate church of St. Cyriakus Gernrode, as well as the collegiate church of St. Servatius and the monastery church of St. Mary in Quedlinburg directly on the trail. The extension to Halberstadt to the Burchardi Monastery is currently only available as a track, with on-site signage gradually being implemented in spring/summer 2024.

The Harz Monastery Trail is maintained by the department Harzer Klöster, which also organizes the annual Harzer Klostersommer event.

Route Description

Stage 1: Goslar - Vienenburg: 14 km (Route guidance in Goslar revised as a track on 8.2.24)
On the way: Neuwerkkirche Goslar, Grauhof Monastery, Wöltingerode Monastery