Saxony-Anhalt sits at the historical heart of Germany, stretching along the Elbe and Saale rivers between the Harz mountains in the west and the Fläming heathland in the east. Its capital, Magdeburg, anchors the north, while Halle (Saale), the state's largest city, dominates the south. The state holds five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the medieval half-timbered old town of Quedlinburg, the Luther Memorials in Wittenberg and Eisleben where the Protestant Reformation began, Naumburg Cathedral with its celebrated 13th-century sculpture, the Bauhaus buildings in Dessau, and the landscaped Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Brockenwanderung from Schierke
The classic ascent of the Brocken (1,141m), the highest peak in northern Germany, starting from the car-free resort village of Schierke and climbing through spruce forest and the wind-scoured summit plateau where the Brockenbahn steam railway also terminates.
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2
Goetheweg: Torfhaus to Brocken via Eckerloch
A long-distance approach to the Brocken along the historic Goetheweg, named for Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's 1777 winter ascent, crossing from the Torfhaus viewpoint through moorland and the steep Eckerloch ravine before reaching the summit plateau inside Saxony-Anhalt.
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3
Bodetal Gorge Trail, Thale
A dramatic gorge walk along the Bode river below Thale, passing granite cliffs up to 250m high between the clifftop plateaus of Rosstrappe and Hexentanzplatz, often called the 'Grand Canyon of the Harz.'
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4
Rosstrappe Ridge Walk
A clifftop walk along the Rosstrappe plateau above the Bodetal Gorge, following a granite ridge with sheer drops to the valley floor and long views across the Harz foreland toward Quedlinburg and Halberstadt.
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5
Ilsetal Valley Trail, Ilsenburg
A forested valley walk beside the Ilse river from the abbey town of Ilsenburg up to the Ilsefälle waterfalls and the Ilsestein rock outcrop, a favourite route among 19th-century Romantic poets including Heinrich Heine.
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6
Selketal Stiegtour: Alexisbad to Mägdesprung
A quieter, less-touristed valley trail through the Selketal following the Selke river and the narrow-gauge Selketalbahn steam railway between the spa hamlet of Alexisbad and the former ironworks village of Mägdesprung.
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7
Freyburg Vineyard Trail, Saale-Unstrut
A gentle walk through the terraced vineyards above Freyburg (Unstrut), in Germany's northernmost significant wine-growing region, with views over the Unstrut river valley and the town's medieval Neuenburg castle.
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8
Saale Valley Trail, Naumburg to Bad Kösen
A riverside walk along the Saale between the cathedral city of Naumburg and the spa town of Bad Kösen, passing vineyard slopes and the Rudelsburg and Saaleck castle ruins above the valley.
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9
Rappbode Dam Ridge Trail
A forested ridge walk above the Rappbodetalsperre, Germany's tallest dam, with views down onto the reservoir and the Titan RT suspension bridge that spans the gorge below.
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10
Huy Ridge Forest Trail, near Halberstadt
An easy forested ridge walk through the Huy, a long limestone hill range on the Harz foreland near Halberstadt, known for beech woodland, orchids, and quiet, low-traffic paths well away from the busier Harz tourist routes.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.