Short description

The Devils Wall is one of the most beautiful hiking areas in the Harz region. Sandstone rock formations rise for several kilometers near Blankenburg, Weddersleben, and Ballenstedt in the landscape.

Description

In Blankenburg (Harz), you can climb about 2 km directly on the challenging natural climbing trail, a hidden gem for all athletic hikers. The winding path leads over cliffs and through narrow rock clefts from the Grandfather Rock in Blankenburg (Harz) past the Thunder Grotto to the frequently used film set Hamburger Wappen near Timmenrode. The path back to Blankenburg leads over the sunny south slope path at the foot of the Devils Wall.

Directions

Follow the signage No. 9 on the orange petal

The tour starts at the parking lot at the tourist information at Schnappelberg. A small carved devil shows you the way across the motorhome parking lot. You cross the B 81 with caution and climb the stone, natural steps at the beginning of the opposite Heidelberg street. The rooty path leads past the Grandmother Rock to the Grandfather Rock initially. From the highest rock, which can be easily climbed with the help of railings and iron steps, you have a beautiful view of the castle park and the city and far into the Harz foothills.

From the Grandfather Rock, follow the signage Ridge Path towards Hamburger Wappen near Timmenrode. The path leads initially to the Löbbecke Rock. From here, the path consists of the approximately 2 km long narrow climbing trail with sometimes steep slopes and rock passages, lined with fragrant pines and young beech trees. From the exposed rocks, there are magnificent views of the Harz landscape in many places.

After about 2 km of rock hiking trail, you descend between the rocks, past the Siegfried Grotto, down the steps, and reach the wide main path. Here you turn right and pass by a massive rock outcrop, the Thunder Grotto. A few meters further is the Foxhole, an artificially constructed cellar.

Following the easy, wide main path, which is also the stroller round path at this point, you continue to the next intersection. Depending on your hunger level, you can make a detour to the Helsunger Krug inn here and follow the signage of trail No. 10, or you turn right and continue on No. 9 towards Hamburger Wappen, where there is also a dining option nearby.

The path turns right uphill and along a ditch lined with natural stone. At the sign Hamburger Wappen or No. 9, from here, a path that becomes narrower and narrower winds to the left along the mountainside. Bizarre sandstone rocks announce the rock group around Hamburger Wappen after a few hundred meters. You leave the forest here, and the view opens up to the popular hiking destination with stamping station No. 74 of the Harz Hiking Needle. Enjoy the view and the impressive rocks. The restaurant Teufelsmauer, 500 m away, invites you to stop. Here, during opening hours (Wed-Sun), there are also public toilets.

The return to Blankenburg leads approximately from the stamp box parallel to the field edge. Some benches also invite you to rest here with a view of the village of Timmenrode. Along the way, in addition to No. 9, you will find signs for the Harzer Klosterweg with the red cross and the E11. A rooty path through the forest soon leads at some distance from the main road over a small ridge to an intersection. You continue straight on the south slope path, which leads at the foot of the Devils Wall back to the Grandfather Rock.

At the restaurant Großvater, circular trail No. 9 leads on the street Großvaterweg to Hasselfelder Straße and back to Schnappelberg and the starting point.

Parking information

Parking lot at the tourist information Schnappelberg

Safety information

Sturdy footwear with a very good profile is urgently required. Depending on skill level, the trail is suitable for children from 6 years old.