- 5:05 h
- 19.48 km
- 288 m
- 255 m
- 226 m
- 307 m
- 81 m
- Start: Market square Wernigerode
- Destination: Tourist Information at Schnappelberg, Blankenburg
This stage, just over 18 km long, is quite demanding; Wernigerode alone is worth a longer stay. The town hall in its well-known current form dates back to 1540 and annually captivates countless visitors to the city. The path now leads straight through the old town towards the Lustgarten. The park is part of the overall ensemble of Wernigerode Castle, which towers visibly over the town. It is worth making a detour to St. Johannis Church, whose Romanesque core makes it the oldest preserved church in Wernigerode, and a bench of angels invites you to rest.
Leaving the town, the route runs along the edge of the forest towards the Wolfsholz settlement. The monastery hiking trail crosses the country road and continues along the Austberg towards Benzingerode. Shortly before the village, the Austberg tower, a watchtower built around 1250, offers a magnificent view of the Harz foreland.
In Benzingerode, the route passes by the distinctive neo-Romanesque church built around 1900 with interior wall paintings. A paved path continues beneath the Struvenberg and Ziegenberg hills. After crossing the road between Heimburg and Elbingerode, it goes on a gravel path down into the valley towards Michaelstein Monastery. Founded in 1146, the monastery still lies away from urban life. Until the 16th century, Cistercian monks lived, prayed, and worked here. Today, the Saxony-Anhalt Music Academy is housed in its rooms; the cloister buildings and monastery garden are publicly accessible. A forest path leads past the bast ponds and over the Eichenberg, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Blankenburg. Upon arrival in the Flower City, you are guided through the old town, where the next stamp can be collected at the Bergkirche St. Bartholomew. The parish church was built after 1200, converted into a monastery church in the mid-13th century, and since 1532 has been a parish church again. In Blankenburg, be sure to visit the baroque gardens from the Tourist Information!
Good to know
Pavements
Best to visit
Directions & Parking facilities
Wernigerode: Feldstraße parking lot, parking lot directly behind the main station, city center about a 10-minute walk away, street "Am Eichberg" (cemetery), Friedrichstraße
Blankenburg Theaterstraße, 38889 Blankenburg (Harz)
Bus connections and information about the HATIX ticket at www.hatix.info
Additional information
Information about Himmelpforte Monastery in Wernigerode on Wikipedia: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kloster_Himmelpforten_(Harz)
Information and help with hiking planning is available from the Tourist Information in Wernigerode: www.wernigerode-tourismus.de
Service office of the Harz Hiking Badge www.harzer-wandernadel.de
Tourist Information Blankenburg www.blankenburg.de
Those who do not want to walk on the paved road from Benzingerode can take the alternative route on the ridge path. Those who choose this trail are rewarded with ups and downs and a fantastic view of the Harz foreland. Wernigerode Castle is unique - definitely don’t miss it: architecture, exhibitions, and the view from the castle square are something very special. If you don't want to hike up: take the little train! At Michaelstein Monastery, a look into the unique medieval monastery garden, the Gothic cloister, and the music exhibition is worth it. Special highlight: the music machine by Salomon de Caus! In Blankenburg, be sure to visit the baroque gardens, best done with the small round tour around the large castle through Berg and the castle garden, offering a fantastic view over Blankenburg and the Harz foreland.
Author
Jens Friedrich, Wernigerode Tourismus GmbH
Organization
Harz: Magische Gebirgswelt
License (master data)
Safety guidelines
Weather-appropriate hiking gear is recommended.
Nearby
