Heimburg Circular Route (Harz)
Short facts
- start: Parking lot at the Bärenstein playground
- destination: Parking lot at the Bärenstein playground
- easy
- 4,75 km
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- 70 m
- 285 m
- 213 m
- 40 / 100
- 10 / 100
best season
Varied route with deep insights into forest life & earth history as well as wonderful views of the Harz foothills
This beautiful circular route offers many information and experience opportunities on both sides of the path, so one hour of walking time is hardly enough to cover this particularly scenic route. Highlights such as the "Bärenstein" forest adventure trail, the geological hiking trail, the impressive rock formations at "Hans Mönch," as well as the shady Teufelsbach valley and the "Ziegenberg" nature reserve with its beautiful view alternate along the way.
Tip: An outstanding destination and stamp station of the Harzer Wandernadel is undoubtedly the Altenburg viewing pavilion. This stamp can be reached on a short path from the parking lot at the Heimburg village bypass or from the bus stop before starting the circular hike at Bärenstein.
General information
Directions
The starting point is the small parking lot at the "Bärenstein" playground, where an artistically carved wooden sign already points the way to the "forest adventure trail." The forest nature trail surprises with particularly lovingly crafted wooden figures, interactive possibilities, and vivid information about the topic of the forest, which is interesting not only for children. Shortly after the small, colorful raised seat, the path forks. Our circular route leads slightly left downhill and crosses the road between Heimburg and Oesig. Here, the hiker is rewarded with an unobstructed view over the fields to the Regenstein castle and fortress. Following the forest edge to the right, you reach the geological hiking trail at the confluence of Goldbach and Teufelsbach at the end of the small descent. Just before the bridge, turn right and walk below the sandstone rock formation "Hans Mönch" up to the street. Cross it and continue straight on the wide forest path through the Teufelsbach valley. Geological exposures and explanatory panels provide insight into 400 million years of earth history. After about 700 m, you will see an old mining cart on the left, which recalls the mining tradition of this area. At this point, a detour to the nearby Michaelstein monastery with gastronomy is possible (left over the bridge and follow the Ammonite marking). The Heimburg circular route continues straight ahead here to the Trecktal road between Heimburg and Elbingerode. After crossing this, the route leads along the meadow path to the right onto the "Ziegenberg." The ascent to the small hillock rewards you with a beautiful view of Heimburg and Regenstein. You leave the nature reserve on the wide, sometimes somewhat muddy path before crossing the Elbingeröder Straße at the first houses. You reach the starting point of the hike by passing the streets Oberdorf - Neue Str. – Brinkstraße - Trogasse from here. A natural "shortcut" path at the end of Troggasse leads toward "Bärenstein" and back to the parking lot.
Parking
Small free parking lot at the Bärenstein playground
Public transit
Wilhelm-Pieck-Straße Heimburg
Pavings
- Asphalt Coating (18%)
- Path (13%)
- Hiking Trail (32%)
- Street (6%)
- Crushed Rock (29%)
- Unknown (2%)