- 60:00 h
- 181.44 km
- 2,669 m
- 2,586 m
- 147 m
- 564 m
- 417 m
- Start: Pölsfeld (Mansfeld-Südharz district)
- Destination: Förste (Osterode am Harz district)
Over thousands of years, the South Harz gypsum karst landscape has formed a region whose geological wealth and biological diversity constitute a nature area unique in Europe. The area rich in natural gypsum rock stretches across the districts of Göttingen (Lower Saxony), Nordhausen (Thuringia), and Mansfeld-Südharz (Saxony-Anhalt). Along the axis from Pölsfeld to Förste, this impressive region can be especially experienced on the Karst Hiking Trail South Harz.
Good to know
Pavements
Best to visit
Directions
The Karst Hiking Trail South Harz is one of Germany's longest and most varied hiking trails. Characteristic for this area is the constant alternation of close observations in the bright deciduous forest with magnificent panoramic views over the South Harz foreland. Easy sections in valley locations alternate with parts leading on elevations. In addition to the diverse karst features such as sinkholes, disappearing streams, karst springs, and distinctive white rocks, there is an impressive variety of fauna and flora to discover. Unlike other long-distance hiking trails, nature lovers on the Karst Hiking Trail are never hours away from the nearest overnight accommodation or dining facilities.
As a landscape-related tourist hiking trail, but also an interdisciplinary thematic nature trail, the Karst Hiking Trail was established from 1982 to 1995 in the districts of Osterode, Nordhausen, and Sangerhausen (today Mansfeld-Südharz). It runs on agricultural and forestry roads as well as on hiking paths and trails, which are lined with a total of 200 signs. These provide interesting information about natural monuments and protected areas.
Due to geology, in the Göttingen district two hiking trails run parallel to each other over a total length of 144 kilometers, enabling exciting circular hikes and cycling tours. In recent years, the Karst Hiking Trail with all its routes has been newly marked with nearly 1,000 way signs and 4,000 trail markers, so no hiker will get lost here.
Here you can find the route with the north variant in Göttingen district.
Additional information
The Sunday tours led by expert hiking guides along the Karst Hiking Trail lead to some highlights of the region
and are also suitable for families with children. From February to November, a total of 40 afternoon tours visit the scenic
and natural beauties of the South Harz in the districts of Osterode, Nordhausen, Mansfeld-Südharz, and the Kyffhäuser district. The tours are organized by the Karstwanderweg Working Group. Further information as well as GPS tracks are available on the internet at www.karstwanderweg.de.
License (master data)
Firouz Vladi
Map
The Harz in 4 parts hiking and cycling maps Upper Harz, Central Harz, East Harz, South Harz Scale 1:30,000, UTM grid for GPS, contour lines in 20m intervals, subtle shading, Harz Club hiking trails, signposted cycling paths, MTB and bike touring recommendations Plastic cover, size 115 x 205 mm ISBN 978-3-936185-76-8 Price: 14.80 € East Harz - hiking and cycling map Scale 1:30,000, UTM grid for GPS, contour lines in 20m intervals, Harz Club hiking trails, signposted cycling paths, MTB and bike touring recommendations Size 110 x 200 mm, 990 x 600 mm (open) ISBN 978-3-936185-74-4 Price: 4.00 € - and - The South Harz - hiking and cycling map Scale 1:30,000, UTM grid for GPS, contour lines in 20m intervals, Harz Club hiking trails, signposted cycling paths, MTB and bike touring recommendations Size 110 x 200 mm, 990 x 600 mm (open) ISBN 978-3-936185-75-1 Price: 4.00 €
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