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.'
The Bodetal Gorge trail follows the Bode river through the steep-sided valley immediately south of Thale, where granite walls rise as high as 250 metres on either side, giving the gorge its local nickname as the 'Grand Canyon of the Harz.' The main path along the valley floor is relatively gentle, staying close to the river through beech and spruce forest, while side paths climb steeply to the Rosstrappe and Hexentanzplatz plateaus that flank the gorge, both linked to legends of witches and a mythical horse's hoofprint pressed into the rock. A full loop combining the valley floor with an ascent to one or both plateaus covers about 10 km and 280 m of elevation gain. Cable cars (Sesselbahn to Hexentanzplatz, Seilbahn to Rosstrappe) run from Thale to both viewpoints, letting hikers ride up and walk down, or the reverse, to shorten the day. The gorge is one of the most visited natural sites in Saxony-Anhalt, so early mornings or weekdays are quieter, especially in the Bodekessel section where the valley narrows most dramatically.
| Difficulty | Moderate (T2) |
|---|---|
| Best season | April to October |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Bodetal Gorge, Thale
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Highlights
- Granite gorge walls up to 250m high along the Bode river
- Rosstrappe clifftop viewpoint above the gorge
- Hexentanzplatz plateau on the opposite side of the valley
Tips for visiting
- Cable cars run to both the Rosstrappe and Hexentanzplatz plateaus for hikers who want to skip one of the climbs
- Combine the gorge floor walk with a return via one clifftop for the best overall views
When to visit
Weekday mornings avoid the heaviest crowds; autumn brings strong beech foliage colour along the gorge walls.
Accessibility
The valley floor path has natural, sometimes uneven surfaces unsuitable for wheelchairs; the cable car stations at the top of both plateaus have paved viewing areas.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Bodetal called the 'Grand Canyon of the Harz'?
Its granite walls rise up to 250 metres on either side of the Bode river, an unusually dramatic gorge profile for northern Germany.
What are Rosstrappe and Hexentanzplatz?
They are clifftop plateaus on opposite sides of the gorge, both tied to local legend and reachable by cable car or a steep hiking path from Thale.
Is the gorge floor walk difficult?
The valley floor path is moderate and mostly gentle; the side climbs to the plateaus are steeper and add most of the elevation gain.
Can hikers avoid the steep climbs?
Yes, cable cars run to both the Rosstrappe and Hexentanzplatz from Thale for those who prefer to ride rather than climb.