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.
The Rosstrappe is a granite outcrop rising sharply above the Bodetal Gorge, reached either by cable car from Thale or a steep footpath climbing directly from the valley floor. Once on top, a short ridge walk of about 5 km follows the clifftop, passing the legendary hoofprint-shaped rock formation said to have been left by a princess's horse as she leapt across the gorge fleeing a giant, a story tied to the Hexentanzplatz plateau on the opposite side of the valley. The path has minimal elevation change once on the plateau but involves sections close to unfenced drops of over 150 metres, so care is needed with children or in wet or icy conditions. On clear days the views extend well beyond the gorge itself, across the rolling Harz foreland toward Quedlinburg and Halberstadt. A small kiosk and restaurant sit near the cable car's upper station for refreshments. The walk pairs naturally with a descent into the gorge and an ascent of the opposite Hexentanzplatz plateau for a fuller day exploring both sides of the valley.
| Difficulty | Easy-Moderate (T1-T2) |
|---|---|
| Best season | April to October |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Rosstrappe, above Thale
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Highlights
- Sheer granite viewpoint over the Bodetal Gorge
- The legendary hoofprint rock formation said to belong to a princess's horse
- Long views across the Harz foreland toward Quedlinburg
Tips for visiting
- The path stays close to unfenced cliff edges in places — keep children close
- Sunset views over the gorge and toward the Harz foreland are a highlight for photographers
When to visit
Late afternoon and sunset give the most dramatic light over the gorge and foreland views.
Accessibility
The plateau path near the cable car station is level and partly paved; sections further along the ridge are natural surface and close to unfenced edges.
Frequently asked questions
What is the legend behind the Rosstrappe's name?
Local legend tells of a princess fleeing a giant who leapt her horse across the gorge, leaving a hoofprint pressed into the rock at the clifftop.
Is the clifftop path safe for children?
The path runs close to unfenced drops in places, so supervision is important, especially in wet conditions.
How do visitors reach the Rosstrappe without a long hike?
A cable car runs from Thale to the Rosstrappe's upper station in a few minutes for those who prefer not to climb.
What views are visible from the top?
The gorge below and, on clear days, the rolling Harz foreland extending toward Quedlinburg and Halberstadt.