Harz Monastery Hiking Trail - 5th Stage - Blankenburg to Thale

This approx. 12 km long stage offers some hiking challenges that can be easily managed with normal fitness. Starting at the service office of the Harz Hiking Badge and the tourist information in Blankenburg, after a detour to the Baroque gardens, you reach the south slope trail below the Devil's Wall, a unique geological rock formation.

Route guidance over the Devil's Wall:

Depending on time and fitness, there are several options here:

Ridge trail:

Those who like spectacular paths can deviate from the track and walk along the ridge of the Devil's Wall; the hiking map also shows this route option.

Follow Heidelberg Street a little further and turn right onto the ridge trail.

South slope trail:

Those who prefer it less steep can take the south slope trail, which offers a view of the Hamburg coat of arms, another striking rock formation visible from afar on the outskirts of Timmenrode.

After passing through Timmenrode with its village church dating from the 18th century, follow field and forest paths to the Eggerode forestry house. From there, the path continues to Thale, where the stage destination Wendhusen Monastery is reached. The Carolingian monastery complex Wendhusen is the oldest in the territory of today's Saxony-Anhalt and dates back to the 9th century. The impressive western wing was already built shortly before 1200; in 1540 the monastery was converted into a manor. Today, the complex is home to the North Harz Antiquities Society e.V. with lecture series, guided tours, and traditional archery.

Attention: new route guidance through the town center of Thale

The hiking map and the track already show the new route guidance through the town center, but the signage on site is still partially not updated.