Harz Circular Route 2nd Stage

Wernigerode, the colorful town by the Harz. Among the most famous sights are the Wernigerode Town Hall with the Benefactor's Fountain, Wernigerode Castle towering over the old town, the Leaning House, the Smallest House and the Krummelsche House, as well as the Aviation Museum and the miniature park "Kleiner Harz". A lengthy stroll is definitely worthwhile. Here, one could even "change horses" for a day. The narrow-gauge railway network of the Harz connects Wernigerode with the Brocken. Steam locomotives run several times a day to the highest peak of the Harz.

We continue cycling along the federal road towards Benzingerode – basically passing through Michaelstein Monastery along the R1; it houses the Music Academy and Museum of the Cultural Foundation of Saxony-Anhalt. After about 3 km, we rumble along a poor path. Then it continues high over Blankenburg towards Thale. This town is inseparably linked with the legendary Hexentanzplatz and the Roßtrappe.

500 m behind Gernrode, a path with a difficult surface leads uphill. On the route between Thale and Ballenstedt, we see extraordinary geological formations, parts of the so-called Teufelsmauer. This extends over a length of 20 km between Blankenburg and Ballenstedt. According to legend, the devil himself is said to have piled up the wall.
We continue to follow the signage of the R1. A note: Between Opperode and Meisdorf, the compulsory-use cycle path (along the golf course) is of poor quality. The R1 continues towards Konradsburg. At the Konradsburg/Burg Anhalt signpost, we leave the R1 and turn right.

In Ulzigerode, turn slightly left at the curve; in Alterode, turn left behind the sports field and cross the bridge. Then we roll on towards Stangerode outdoor swimming pool. It's a pleasant place to stay; there is a café with outdoor seating. We refreshed ourselves here before the final sprint to the hotel. The outdoor pool invites you to take a swim. The path behind the café continues directly into a beautiful valley. Wide views open up, and we continue through the forest.

Shortly before the day's goal, the biggest challenge of the entire tour awaits us: coarse, washed-out gravel on an almost 2 km stretch with at least 13% gradient! Once we reach a bench at the top, we catch our breath properly before crossing the Harz High Road. Then the hotel lies ahead. Conclusion of the day: This stage was quite demanding.