Blankenburg (Harz) panorama hiking trail

Follow sign No. 3 on the green blossom leaf.

The route can basically be started from both sides. Here the hike is described starting from the Schnappelberg car park at the tourist information:

A small carved devil on the opposite car park shows you the way over the motorhome parking area. You cross the B 81 carefully and climb the natural stone stairway at the beginning of the opposite Heidelberg street. Here, on the elevation, you get a first panoramic view of the old town and castle. The rooty path first passes the “Grandmother Rock” to the “Grandfather Rock,” which can be easily climbed with the help of railings and iron steps. Those who dare to climb this rock are rewarded with a 360-degree view of the castle grounds, town, and surroundings. The path continues downhill past the “Grandfather” inn and crosses the B 81 again towards Hirschtor, the entrance to the castle park.

From here, a chestnut path with a view of the opposite Teufelsmauer leads directly to the castle pond. About halfway along the pond, keep right and walk along below the Great Castle, passing through the gate in the town wall. Above the “Obere Mühle” inn, the path continues left, slightly steep but well-paved, up to the Great Castle. Here you enjoy a beautiful view over the town of Blankenburg. If time permits, a look inside the castle courtyard, which hints at the former glory of ducal times, is worthwhile. The path leads straight ahead through the gate and past the former stables towards Herzogsweg, which leads right behind the former stable buildings. You follow Herzogsweg and leave it at the junction, going right downhill to the water management building, where you turn left onto the broad main path towards Ziegenkopf. The signpost indicates a small, inconspicuous path to the right. The panoramic hiking trail first winds close to the B 27 along the mountainside. A bench with a beautiful view of the castle invites you to rest. The path then continues up the steep ascent along the fenced property before descending in serpentines to Knorrenbergstraße. At the signpost on the garden fence, turn left and walk a few meters along Knorrenbergstraße before it becomes an increasingly narrow forest path near the weekend cottages. Heading towards federal road 27, you reach a well-built stairway that continues on the other side of the road. A seemingly insignificant bridge lying in the forest protects your shoes from mud on wet days below the small pond. The path continues winding towards Wasserweg. Here, briefly keep left and then follow the wide forest path to the right towards Michaelstein Monastery, past the vacation home settlement “Eichenberg.” Following the path, you circle a forest clearing and come straight to the railway underpass of the “Rübelandbahn.” Further through the deciduous forest, you reach the “Shepherd’s Linden,” an impressive 500-year-old natural monument. The tree was considered a protection tree for the local shepherds and herdsmen.

The path merges at the edge of Oesig, a district of Blankenburg, onto Waldfriedensstraße. After briefly following left, walk past a scenic pond and then turn right towards the Teufelsbad specialist clinic. The wide path continues through mixed forest, then downhill to the ponds near Michaelstein Monastery. At the destination of this hiking route, you will find idyll and relaxation. The beautiful nature invites you to linger. There are good opportunities to use various catering facilities.

You reach the monastery parking lot by going through the monastery grounds and turning left through the gatehouse. The Michaelstein bus stop with connections to Blankenburg is located nearby at the roundabout.

Paid parking at Schnappelberg Blankenburg (Harz)

Free parking at Michaelstein Monastery

The route can be hiked all year round depending on weather conditions. Hiking is not recommended in snow.

Please exercise caution when crossing the B 27 road.

Bike and hiking map with Blankenburg (Harz) city map scale 1:14,000 / 1:25,000 with 16 circular hiking routes Price: €4.00

ISBN 978-3-86973-153-6