Circular route Ecker reservoir

Short facts

  • start: Bus stop Ecker reservoir
  • destination: Bus stop Ecker reservoir
  • easy
  • 10,96 km
  • 2 hours 55 minutes
  • 165 m
  • 660 m
  • 552 m
  • 60 / 100
  • 20 / 100

best season

Circular route around the Ecker reservoir with absolute tranquility and romantically wild sections

The circular route Ecker reservoir with the blue wave as a symbol starts at the bus stop “Abzweig Eckerstausee” of the forest line, which runs into the National Park from early April to mid-November. The easy route is 10.2 km long. Those who want to walk around the Ecker dam from Bad Harzburg start at the hiking meeting point and walk on the 3-valley route to the Molkenhaus or float up with the Burgberg cable car and hike on the Kaiserweg past Antoniusplatz and Säperstelle to the Molkenhaus. From there, proceed on the forest road past the Molkenhaus meadow to the bus stop “Abzweig Eckerstausee.”

After a short descent towards the reservoir, a clockwise crossing is recommended. The path then first leads over the dam, which was impassable until German reunification. After World War II, the border ran through the middle of the Ecker reservoir. Beautiful views over the reservoir itself up to the Brocken are repeatedly possible on the eastern side. Numerous resting benches invite you to linger. 

On the route up to the Ecker crossing, you travel through a primeval landscape. After the adventurous Ecker crossing over stones, it goes back towards the reservoir on the pioneer path. Also, from the western side, there are again beautiful views to enjoy. Once the access to the dam is reached again, the path leads back to the bus stop “Abzweig Eckerstausee.” With the bus (see above) or on foot via the Molkenhaus, Bad Harzburg is reached again.


Attention: The circular route Ecker reservoir is not a designated winter hiking trail!

General information

Directions

The circular route Ecker reservoir with the blue wave as a symbol starts at the bus stop “Abzweig Eckerstausee” of the forest line, which runs into the National Park from early April to mid-November. The easy route is 10.2 km long. Those who want to walk around the Ecker dam from Bad Harzburg start at the hiking meeting point and walk on the 3-valley route to the Molkenhaus or float up with the Burgberg cable car and hike on the Kaiserweg past Antoniusplatz and Säperstelle to the Molkenhaus. From there, proceed on the forest road past the Molkenhaus meadow to the bus stop “Abzweig Eckerstausee.” After a short descent towards the reservoir, a clockwise crossing is recommended. The path then first leads over the dam, which was impassable until German reunification. After World War II, the border ran through the middle of the Ecker reservoir. Beautiful views of the reservoir up to the Brocken are repeatedly possible on the eastern side. Numerous resting benches invite you to linger.  On the route up to the Ecker crossing. After the adventurous Ecker crossing over stones, it goes back towards the reservoir on the pioneer path. Also, from the western side, there are again beautiful views to enjoy. Once the access to the dam is reached again, the path leads back to the bus stop “Abzweig Eckerstausee.” With the bus (see above) or on foot via the Molkenhaus (currently closed!) Bad Harzburg is reached again. Attention: The circular route Ecker reservoir is not a designated winter hiking trail!

Tip

On a short detour, you reach the Scharfenstein National Park Ranger Station with snack options on the eastern shore.

Parking

Hiking car park at Taternbruch (Note: 2 km to the start of the route) 

Public transit

Forest bus line of the KVG (875) in the National Park from April 1 to mid-November

Pavings

  • Unknown (46%)
  • Crushed Rock (13%)
  • Asphalt Coating (8%)
  • Hiking Trail (13%)
  • Path (20%)

Weather

Next steps

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