Eichsfeld border traces

Short Description

Hiking along the Green Belt between history and nature

Description

On the southern edge of the Harz Mountains, near Duderstadt in Eichsfeld, you can experience the Green Belt, the unique natural space along the former inner-German border, and the history of German division up close. From the Eichsfeld Borderland Museum, the hike leads along the former border strip to Gut Herbigshagen, where the famous wildlife filmmaker Prof. Heinz Sielmann and his wife established Germanys first Heinz Sielmann Nature Experience Center. The hike ends with a tour through the historic streets of Duderstadts Old Town, with its impressive ensemble of richly decorated half-timbered houses and medieval fortifications.

Route Description

From Marktstraße, the path leads past Cyriakus Church, right through the alley to the city park. Behind the city wall, follow the markings labeled Eichsfeld Border Traces and the green paws of the wildcat. The first symbolic border post stands at the ramparts. Follow the wildcat paw markings to the right along the ramparts until Steintorstraße. Turn left there, then right onto Schützenring towards August-Werner-Allee and Ballhaus zum fidelen Anreischken. Beyond that, the path turns right and then follows the marking of the Black Bird to the left along the stream on Circular Route 6, Pferdeberg.
The path then ascends to Kolping Holiday Paradise-Pferdeberg and turns right to a rest area with a shelter. Through the forest and over Pferdeberg, the forest inn Schöne Aussichten awaits. From there, it gently descends and turns left towards the border installations. Original objects show the construction of the security installations of the former inner-German border here.
The former patrol path continues downhill into the Hahle Valley. At the federal highway, turn right towards the Borderland Museum, and the path continues along the patrol path on the opposite side of the street. Along the way to the West-Eastern Gate, there are several shelters. Emerging from the forest, you will see the connecting artwork on the former border after a rise. After crossing the L540, it ascends to the Sielmann Hut. The Sielmann Path continues along the patrol path, then turns left towards Gut Herbigshagen. By visiting the Nature Experience Center, you can end the hike here or follow the signpost back to Duderstadt.

Additional Information

Guest Information Duderstadt Town Hall, Marktstraße 66, 37115 Duderstadt, Tel. 05527 841200, info@duderstadt.de www.duderstadt.de

Directions

Highway A 38 AS Leinefelde, A7, B247

Parking Information

Parking lot Westertor Access via Sachsenring