From Stolberg to the Joseph Cross
Short facts
- start: At the market in Stolberg (Harz)
- destination: At the market in Stolberg (Harz)
- medium
- 8,80 km
- 2 hours 30 minutes
- 270 m
- 567 m
- 298 m
- 80 / 100
- 40 / 100
best season
The "Eiffel Tower of the Harz", built in 1896, is presented in the form of a 38 m high iron double cross.
The current form of the Joseph Cross is based on the plans of the master builder Karl-Friedrich Schinkel for the tower built of oak beams in 1834, which was destroyed by lightning in 1880.
Most popular and traditional hiking route from Stolberg, not very strenuous, also recommended for families. Along the way, the "Street of Songs" invites you to sing and a nature trail is available. A place to stop is located on the Auerberg.
General information
Directions
From the market towards Reicher Winkel (shortest alley with only 3 houses), Neustadt and Töpfergasse (smallest half-timbered houses in the city) to the Stolberg cemetery. The cemetery chapel "Our Dear Ladies" was built in the 15th century. Ludwig Richter immortalized it in his painting "Bridal Procession in Spring". Behind the chapel, keep right straight ahead, following the paved road, through the Zechental, along the stream Kleine Wilde, to the hiking trail Alte Poststraße (red X). At Silberner Nagel keep left, after a few meters you reach the Seven-Way junction and continue on the paved Alte Auerbergstraße towards Schindelbruch (blue dot). At the junction "Street of Songs", a hiking trail with stations of well-known folk songs inviting to sing, go right uphill towards the Joseph Cross (red X). After 300 m you reach the main hiking trail, which leads right uphill to Joseph's height. The Joseph Cross soon comes into view, a unique technical monument, made of 123 t of steel, held together by 100,000 rivets and can be climbed via over 200 steps. From the top platform, there is a panoramic view over the Harz mountains to the Brocken, towards Kyffhäuser and into Thuringian country.
Return a short distance on the same path, about 100 m, to the first left junction (red X). The path leads somewhat steeper downhill to the Seven Ways. From here a section on the paved Alte Auerbergstraße (blue dot) towards Schwarze Tafel (signpost with bench), Schneiderborn (spring at the roadside) and Stolberg. Keep somewhat left of the main path (more scenic). At the Schwarze Tafel return to the Alte Auerbergstraße and back to Stolberg.
Getting there
Car: B 242 from Hasselfelde / Harzgerode
A38 exit Berga, via Uftrungen, Rottleberode to Stolberg
Parking
Free parking Kaltes Tal
Paid parking Am Saigerturm at Niedergasse 1
Public transit
Bus HVB 31 and 38, VGS 450
Maps
Hiking/cycling map SOUTH HARZ 1: 30,000 scale, price: 4 €, ISBN 978-3-936185-75-1
Additional Information
Tourist Information Stolberg (Harz)
Niedergasse 17, 06536 South Harz | district Stolberg (Harz)
034654 454
ti@rossla.de
Pavings
- Street (4%)
- Asphalt Coating (19%)
- Crushed Rock (41%)
- Hiking Trail (36%)
- Path (1%)