Harzer Witches Trail - Stage 1 - from Osterode to Buntenbock

Short Description

The initial stage: From Osterode via old supply routes into the Upper Harz.

Description

The charming half-timbered town of Osterode is the starting point of the hike. From here, at the Harz Corn Magazine (now the town hall), the nutrition of the ore miners was once secured. Along the historic Hundscher Weg, after two hours of ascent, we reach the Marienblick, a magnificent viewpoint into the Lerbachtal valley.
The journey continues on beautiful forest paths passing by the Bärenbrucher Teich pond to Buntenbock, the quiet and idyllic district of Clausthal-Zellerfeld.

Route Description

We start our hike in Osterode am Harz. The entry portal at the Bleichestelle parking lot is easy to find. Previously, during our stroll through the historic old town, we marveled at the imposing town hall, the former Harz Corn Magazine. From here, the donkey caravans once started their journey up to the Upper Harz. On todays Harzer-Hexen-Stieg, they brought the miners the necessary bread grain because agriculture was and is hardly possible in the harsh climate there.

The path ascends steadily but gently, offering beautiful views back to the starting point of Osterode and the vast western Harz foreland. Only through open landscapes, it soon leads us into the forest. The spruce tree is still the dominant tree of the Upper Harz, and the scent of its resin accompanies us, passing clearings, viewpoints, and resting places like the Eselsplatz, with its reconstructed charcoal burners hut. Finally, the forest opens up, revealing the Clausthaler Hochfläche, interspersed with old mining ponds and mountain meadows.

Further Information

The Harzer-Hexen-Stieg is supported by Harz Energie, the Sparkassen along the way, and Blankenburger Wiesenquell.

Travel Information

Osterode, as the starting point of the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg, can be reached by car via the B 243. Within Osterode, head towards Bleichestelle.

Parking Information

Free parking spaces can be found directly at the start of the stage at Bleichestelle. Opposite the parking lot entrance is a specially designed arch as the starting point of the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg with an information board.