Harz Monastery Hiking Trail - 2nd stage - Vienenburg to Ilsenburg

This 20 km long stage of the monastery hiking trail is particularly attractive in terms of landscape and history as it crosses the former inner-German border. From Wöltingerode Monastery, the trail now runs on a half-slope along the Hercyniaweg on the Harly ridge. Place names recall the potash mine that was in operation here until 1930. Then a romantic path leads along the Oker river to Wiedelah, a district of Vienenburg. From there, the monastery hiking trail runs along the Green Belt, the former inner-German border. The stage continues through the fields to Abbenrode; note – in summer some field edges here may often be overgrown. Therefore, the digital route deviates by a few meters from the hiking map and indicates a detour around the field Pfingstanger. Afterwards through the Schimmerwald forest to Stapelburg.
A particularly idyllic path follows along the Ecker river to the meadow area of the former Jungborn spa facility. Via the Ilsenburg climb, the way leads on towards Ilsenburg. If you want to avoid the climb, a more comfortable path on the other side of Wienberg leads towards Ilsenburg and rejoins the marked trail. Both options are signposted. In Ilsenburg, follow the Chestnut Avenue and continue through the spa park and past the lake to the market square. From there, the path leads uphill to Ilsenburg Monastery. The Romanesque monastery complex today lies in the midst of a romantic palace park.