The best walks and hikes around Landkreis Nordhausen
4.6
(9737)
34,960
hikers
1,691
hikes
Hiking around Landkreis Nordhausen, located in northern Thuringia, offers diverse landscapes for outdoor activities. The region is characterized by the Harz Mountains in the north, providing a mountainous backdrop. A significant feature is the Southern Harz Karst Landscape, known for its unique gypsum karst formations, sinkholes, and disappearing streams. The fertile floodplain of the Golden Aue, with the Helme River, also contributes to the varied terrain.
Best hiking trails around Landkreis Nordhausen
- The most popular hiking route is Circular hike on the Green Belt near Ellrich - Naturpark Südharz, a 5.2 miles (8.3 km) trail that takes 2 hours 31 minutes to complete. This route explores the historic Green Belt within the Southern Harz Nature Park.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Great Rock Tour - Southern Harz Nature Park, a moderate 4.9 miles (7.9 km) path. This trail features notable rock formations within the Southern Harz Nature Park.
- Local hikers also love the Poppenberg Observation Tower – Falkenstein Cliffs loop from Ilfeld, a 9.0 miles (14.4 km) trail leading through mountainous terrain to an observation tower, often completed in about 4 hours 50 minutes.
- Hiking around Landkreis Nordhausen is defined by the Harz Mountains, the unique Southern Harz Karst Landscape, and the Golden Aue floodplain. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy walks to more difficult ascents.
- The routes in Landkreis Nordhausen are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 9,200 reviews. More than 33,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Landkreis Nordhausen's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.7
(428)
1,265
hikers
8.33km
02:32
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.6
(145)
436
hikers
7.93km
02:29
330m
330m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.8
(152)
359
hikers
5.39km
01:33
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(509)
1,682
hikers
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.7
(47)
152
hikers
14.2km
04:29
490m
490m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(617)
1,897
hikers
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.7
(27)
86
hikers
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.3
(27)
71
hikers
3.81km
01:01
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.1
(10)
32
hikers
18.8km
05:15
360m
360m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.5
(12)
34
hikers
9.66km
02:41
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
From here you have a great view of the dam, perfect for a nice photo.
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Mega experience when the steam locomotive rushes under you🚂🌬Great photo spot
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Let's take it as it is and enjoy the amazing view.
5
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A fantastic observation tower. Although it's not that tall, it feels massive. The wide viewing platform offers a good view of the surrounding area. There's also an information board and a small rest area with a table and garden benches.
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Without trees, in many places you have an unobstructed view over the Harz... and up to the Brocken.
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Beautiful path through the forest
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From this eleven-meter-high observation tower near Rüdigsdorf, you have a magnificent panoramic view of the South Harz Karst Landscape Biosphere Reserve. Salty, mineral-rich, wild – that's what characterizes this region. Once the seabed, today you'll find fascinating Zechstein deposits, depressions, craters, and impressive caves inhabited by bats such as the greater mouse-eared bat. In the biosphere reserve, dense beech forests mingle with colorful orchards, and idyllic villages mingle with historic towns. Learn more about the biosphere reserve and possible destinations for your next visit here: https://nationale-naturlandschaften.de/gebiete/biosphaerenreservat-karstlandschaft-suedharz.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Landkreis Nordhausen?
Landkreis Nordhausen offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 1,600 routes to explore. These range from easy strolls to more challenging ascents, catering to all skill levels.
What makes the hiking landscape in Landkreis Nordhausen unique?
The region is characterized by the northern reaches of the Harz Mountains, the unique Southern Harz Karst Landscape with its gypsum formations, sinkholes, and caves, and the fertile Golden Aue floodplain. This diverse topography creates a varied and interesting environment for hikers.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are over 840 easy routes in Landkreis Nordhausen. A good option for a leisurely walk is the Circular trail to the Kelle - Southern Harz Nature Park, which is just under 4 km long and features minimal elevation changes, making it ideal for families.
Can I find challenging hikes for experienced hikers?
Absolutely. For those seeking a more strenuous adventure, there are nearly 100 difficult routes. The Poppenberg Observation Tower – Falkenstein Cliffs loop from Ilfeld is a challenging 14.4 km trail with significant elevation gain, leading to an observation tower with splendid views.
Are there circular hiking routes in the region?
Many trails in Landkreis Nordhausen are designed as circular routes. An example is the Circular hike on the Green Belt near Ellrich - Naturpark Südharz, which allows you to start and end at the same point while exploring the historic Green Belt.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on the trails?
The region is famous for its unique Southern Harz Karst Landscape, featuring sinkholes, dolines, and caves. You can experience this on routes like the Green Karst Tour - Southern Harz Nature Park. The area also offers mountainous terrain and river floodplains.
Are there any notable landmarks or viewpoints along the hiking trails?
Yes, hikers can discover several landmarks and viewpoints. The Red shot (HWN 90) offers magnificent views of the southern Harz foreland, while the Poppenberg Tower (HWN 92) provides panoramic vistas over the Harz National Park. You can also find historical sites like the Hohnstein Castle Ruins (HWN 98).
What do other hikers say about the trails in Landkreis Nordhausen?
The trails in Landkreis Nordhausen are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 9,200 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the unique karst formations to the mountainous sections of the Harz.
Are there specific trails that highlight the region's unique geology?
Yes, the Southern Harz Karst Landscape is a prominent geological feature. The Great Rock Tour - Southern Harz Nature Park specifically features notable rock formations, allowing you to experience this unique geological area firsthand.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Most hiking trails in Landkreis Nordhausen are generally dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty with your canine companion. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves or near wildlife, and to respect local regulations.
Are there any trails that pass by interesting natural monuments?
Yes, the region is home to several natural monuments. You can find the Reversible oak (HWN 165), a unique natural feature, along some routes. The Southern Harz Karst Landscape itself is a significant natural wonder with its distinct formations.
What is the best time of year for hiking in Landkreis Nordhausen?
The diverse landscape of Landkreis Nordhausen offers hiking opportunities throughout the year. Spring brings blooming flora, summer provides lush greenery, autumn showcases vibrant colors, and winter can offer serene, snow-covered trails, especially in the Harz foothills. The unique karst landscape can be explored in most seasons.
Most popular routes around Landkreis Nordhausen
Most popular attractions around Landkreis Nordhausen
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