Harztor: Get Active – Experience Nature in the Southern Harz
Hiking in the Southern Harz begins right on your doorstep: whether you’re seeking the tranquillity of the forest, love a physical challenge or want to go on a treasure hunt with the whole family – you’ll find your adventure in Harztor. Our ‘Over Hill and Valley’ landscape links the climatic health resort of Neustadt with the wild and romantic mixed forests around Ilfeld, Niedersachswerfen, Harzungen and Herrmannsacker.
These forests are more than just beautiful: their pure, low-pollen air has been recognised as a therapeutic climate since 1890 and is still valued today for health treatments and relaxation. Experts refer to terpenes – aromatic compounds found in spruce, pine and beech – which many people believe have a calming effect. What’s more, on hot days, the dense canopy keeps you pleasantly cool whilst you explore the countryside.
Breathe in the fresh air, enjoy sweeping views and find your own path. Here are our three destinations for your break.
STEP by step towards recovery
From a gentle stroll through the spa gardens to a long day’s hike through shady mixed woodland: our walking trails are as varied as the landscape itself. Whether it’s the Ilfeld Rock Trail, the Nine Castles Trail or the path to the ruins of Hohnstein Castle – many routes take you beneath dense canopies, keeping you pleasantly cool even on hot days. Then there are our certified spa trails in Neustadt, specially designed to promote health and cardiovascular fitness. Whether it’s 2 kilometres or 20 – here you’ll find the route that suits your pace.
THROUGH the Southern Harz on two wheels
For anyone looking to cover a bit more ground: Harztor is ideal for cyclists and e-bike riders. The terrain offers the perfect mix of leisurely valley trails and challenging climbs for mountain bikers. Cycle through dense forests, connect the villages along the cycle path, or push yourself to the limit on the slopes of the Southern Harz.
THE adventure for little explorers
Is hiking boring? Not here! The “Harztor Wanderkinder” (Harztor Hiking Kids) project turns the trail into a playground. Together with the youth fire brigade, children from Harztor have hidden 31 exciting stamp points across all five villages. Look out for the colourfully painted stamp boxes, collect the ‘flames’ for your hiking pass and get to know the region through play. The routes are designed with children in mind – sometimes you’ll head to the ‘swing bench’, sometimes through the ‘eye of the needle’ or across a cow pasture. Anyone who fills their booklet will receive a prize!
SÜDHARZ BATHING TRIANGLE with three fantastic outdoor pools
Two forest swimming pools in Ilfeld and Neustadt, plus a modern outdoor pool in Niedersachswerfen – in Harztor, the choice is yours! Pure enjoyment and relaxation.
TICKET SALES and calendar of events
There’s always something going on in Harztor! You can find all the events in the Event calendar. You can buy tickets for the events we organise directly at the venue.
GOLFPARK Neustadt (9-hole course)
A proper 9-hole golf course with views of the Hohnstein castle ruins – plus an indoor lounge for the winter and taster sessions for anyone who’d like to give it a go.