Climbing the Brocken: Three Routes to Northern Germany's Highest Peak

1,141 metres above sea level — that makes the Brocken the highest mountain in northern Germany and a must-do for anyone holidaying in the Harz region. Three classic hiking trails lead to the summit, and there's also the historic steam train for those who'd rather ride than walk. In this post we introduce all the options.

Why the Brocken is special

The summit has a climate all its own. Winds of up to 150 km/h in winter, more than 1,600 millimetres of rainfall per year, and over 300 foggy days annually — the Brocken's climate is closer to Iceland than to the northern German lowlands. A weather station has stood here since 1895 (the current building since 1939) and supplies the data you hear on Germany's national weather reports.

At the top, the Brockenhaus awaits — a visitor centre with exhibitions on the mountain's natural and cultural history. If you'd like to stay overnight, you can book the Brockenherberge — a rare chance to sleep above the clouds.

Route 1: Goetheweg (easiest route)

Distance: 16 km return Elevation gain: around 300 m Difficulty: easy

The Goetheweg is the easiest Brocken trail of all. It starts at Drei Annen Hohne station (reachable by the Harzer Schmalspurbahn) and ascends gently to the summit. Goethe himself is said to have taken this path in 1777 — hence the name.

Ideal for anyone looking for a first Brocken experience without overdoing it. Also a good fit for families with children aged ten and up.

Route 2: Heinrich-Heine-Weg (the most scenic route)

Distance: 10.5 km one-way, around 24 km as a loop Elevation gain: around 850 m, half of it on the final three kilometres Difficulty: moderate to challenging

The Heinrich-Heine-Weg is widely regarded as the most beautiful Brocken trail. It starts in Ilsenburg, about 25 km from Das Ettershaus, and follows the path the poet took in 1824 for his Harzreise. The trail winds through dense forests, past waterfalls and rocks, climbing gently — until the last three kilometres deliver some genuinely steep ascents.

Tip: To skip the long return walk, hop on the Brockenbahn at the summit, ride down to Wernigerode or Schierke, and travel back to Ilsenburg from there.

Route 3: Teufelsstieg (the only trail from Bad Harzburg)

Distance: around 23 km Duration: around 7 hours Difficulty: challenging

For sporty guests with time to spare: the Teufelsstieg is the only one of the three classic Brocken trails that ends directly in Bad Harzburg. The route starts in Elend, crosses the Brocken summit and finishes in Bad Harzburg after 23 kilometres — a true full-day hike, best tackled as a two-day tour with an overnight at the summit hotel.

Alternative: take the steam train to the top

If you'd rather skip the hike, ride the Harzer Schmalspurbahn. The HSB's 140-kilometre network is the longest continuously steam-operated narrow-gauge railway in Germany. The Brockenbahn between Wernigerode and the summit is the most-travelled steam railway in the country — around one million passengers a year, two-thirds of them on the Brocken line alone.

Journey times and how it works

• Wernigerode → Brocken: approx. 2 hours, several stops
• Schierke → Brocken: approx. 30 minutes
• Drei Annen Hohne → Brocken: approx. 1 hour

The locomotives themselves are part of the experience: the iconic "Brockenloks" were the last steam engines built in East Germany in the mid-1950s, each with 700 horsepower.

Tips for the train ride

• Book online in advance — the Brocken train is often fully booked in summer
• Wear sturdy shoes even if you're taking the train: the summit can be cold, foggy and windy
• Don't miss the last train — there are no late services

What's waiting for you at the top

• Brockenhaus with a permanent exhibition on the mountain's natural and cultural history
• Brockengarten — a scientific alpine garden with high-mountain plants
• Brockenwirt and Brockenherberge for refreshments and overnight stays
• 360° panorama — visibility of up to 240 km on a clear day

The Brocken loves to live up to its reputation as "the witches' weather mountain", but on a clear day above the fog line the view is simply breathtaking.

Prep and recovery at Das Ettershaus

Before the hike: a leisurely breakfast with our pancake machine from 7:00 a.m. After the hike: into the 31°C heated pool, the sauna or a relaxed dinner at Restaurant Taut's.

Read more

• The best hiking routes from Bad Harzburg
• Nationalpark Harz: experience wildlife and nature
• The complete Harz guide

Experience the Brocken — from Das Ettershaus

The ideal base for your Brocken trip: Sonnenresort Ettershaus in Bad Harzburg. Book your active holiday now and conquer the Brocken.