Harz Circular Trail 1st Stage

We started in Goslar. Together with the Rammelsberg Mine and the Upper Harz Water Management System, the old town of Goslar is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. With numerous accommodation options and a centrally located train station, Goslar is an excellent starting point. The medieval churches, over 1,500 half-timbered houses from different eras, and the Imperial Palace make the old town a real gem. For us, Goslar is the most beautiful town, at least in northern Germany. Cycling is partly allowed in the pedestrian zone. We pushed the bike through the old town. Tip: Via the "Himmelsleiter" you can reach the left tower of the Market Church. From there you have a fantastic view directly from the center of Goslar into the city.

From the city center, the path leads us toward the UNESCO World Heritage Rammelsberg Mine – here a thousand years of mining and life come together. However, before reaching it, we turn left towards the Maltermeister Tower; the climb is steep. But before we reach it, we turn left again and pass the so-called "Blue Heap." Here we enjoy a wonderful view over the red roofs of Goslar and the Harz foothills towards Braunschweig. At the end of the path, we snake right past the Vocational Training Center. It gets steep. The path continues into the forest toward the Ammental Forester's House; below we see a clarification pond. Along the way, there are always beautiful views. At the end of the road, we drive back a bit and then turn right at the bridge.

At the intersection toward Bad Harzburg, we have to push the bike up a staircase. We follow the R1 signpost. Unfortunately, not only is the path very steep, but also washed out. You can only push here. The path leads through the forest past the small Bosse spring and the Café Goldberg; the view is simply beautiful. On the ridge path, we turn left at the end. After about 500 meters, we turn sharply right onto a narrow path that runs through a meadow. On the left side, we see the Bad Harzburg Golf Course. We follow the path to the road, turn left downhill, then right behind a large information board, and left over a small bridge into a small park. We cycle through a wildlife enclosure, follow the path, turn right at the end, and are already in the middle of Bad Harzburg. Here we move toward the Luther Church (up to the left) and continue straight ahead. Following the "witch," we then turn right and ride up to the forest edge.

Our next intermediate destination is Ilsenburg. The path leads us through gentle waves in the forest. We reach Ilsenburg. A worthwhile destination is the Ilsenburg Monastery. Here, something "old" is constantly being renovated or restored with loving detail work. On the well-ridable bike path along the federal road, we soon reach the next monastery, the Drübeck Monastery. Here, you should definitely plan a tour through the unique monastery complex.

A tip: Please inquire about the current day of rest. The day's destination, Wernigerode, will be reached soon.