Two separate cable cars climb from Thale to the Rosstrappe and Hexentanzplatz plateaus flanking the Bodetal Gorge, offering a quick, low-effort way to reach both clifftop viewpoints without the steep hiking climb.
Thale operates two independent cable car lines, one a chairlift-style Sesselbahn to the Hexentanzplatz plateau and the other a cabin Seilbahn to the Rosstrappe, both climbing from valley-floor stations near the town centre to clifftop viewpoints on opposite sides of the Bodetal Gorge. Neither requires any fitness or hiking ability, making both plateaus accessible to visitors who would otherwise be unable to manage the steep footpaths, and each ride takes only a few minutes. At the top, Hexentanzplatz has a small amusement park, an open-air theatre, and views back across the gorge to the Rosstrappe, while the Rosstrappe offers the legendary hoofprint rock formation and long views over the Harz foreland. Tickets can be bought as single one-way rides or return trips, and combination tickets covering both cable cars are available for visitors wanting to see both sides of the gorge in a day. Both lifts operate seasonally with reduced winter schedules and close temporarily in high wind, so checking current operating hours before a visit, particularly outside the main April-to-October season, is worthwhile.
| Price | € (each cable car around €9 one-way, €14 return) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-3 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Season | April to October |
| Address | Bodetal Talstation, Walpurgisstraße, 06502 Thale |
Activity facts
- Where
- Thale, Bodetal Gorge
Equipment
No special equipment required
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Location
Bodetal Talstation, Walpurgisstraße, 06502 Thale
51.7508, 11.0525 View on map
Highlights
- Two separate cable cars to clifftop viewpoints on opposite sides of the gorge
- No hiking required to reach either the Rosstrappe or Hexentanzplatz
- Hexentanzplatz amusement park and open-air theatre at the upper station
- Combination tickets available covering both cable cars
Tips for visiting
- Buy a combination ticket if visiting both the Rosstrappe and Hexentanzplatz in the same day
- Check reduced winter operating hours before an off-season visit
- Both lifts close temporarily in high wind — have a backup plan on gusty days
- Combine with a walk along the gorge floor for a fuller sense of the valley
Frequently asked questions
Are the two cable cars run by the same operator?
Both are run under the Bodetal Seilbahnen Thale banner, though they are separate lines to the Rosstrappe and Hexentanzplatz respectively.
Do the cable cars run in winter?
Yes, but on a reduced schedule, and both close temporarily in high wind regardless of season.
Is a combination ticket available?
Yes, tickets covering both the Rosstrappe and Hexentanzplatz cable cars are sold for visitors wanting to see both viewpoints.
How long does each ride take?
Only a few minutes each way, making both plateaus quick to reach without a hiking climb.