The best cycling routes around Nordharz

Nordharz offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 120 options available on komoot. These routes cater to different skill levels, including 71 easy, 27 moderate, and 25 difficult trails.

Yes, Nordharz has many easy routes perfect for a relaxed ride. For instance, the St. Nikolai Church Osterwieck – Ilse River loop from Nordharz is an easy 17.4 km path, offering a gentle introduction to the region's beauty. Another accessible option is the Shelter by the pond – View of the Harz Mountains loop from Veckenstedt, a 14.2 km route with minimal elevation gain.

The terrain in Nordharz is diverse, ranging from well-maintained cycle paths in the Harz foreland and picturesque valleys to more challenging forest paths and dirt tracks within the low mountain range. You'll encounter dense forests, rolling hills, and some routes with significant elevation changes, especially closer to the Harz National Park.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Nordharz are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The Ecker Reservoir – View of the Brocken loop from Stapelburg is a popular 30.5 km circular route offering expansive views. The broader Harz region also features the Harzrundweg, a popular route that circles the national park, covering approximately 350 kilometers.

Nordharz is rich in natural beauty and offers numerous viewpoints. You can cycle past the Ilsetal Valley, known for its romantic scenery and cascades. Routes often provide views of the iconic Brocken Summit, the highest peak in the Harz. Other notable viewpoints include Raven Crag and Ilsestein (HWN 030).

Yes, the Ilsetal Valley, a picturesque gorge, features small and large waterfalls formed by the Ilse river. While not directly on a featured touring route here, the Mönchmühlenteich Waterfall is another beautiful natural attraction in the wider Nordharz area that can be incorporated into a ride.

Beyond its natural beauty, Nordharz offers access to significant cultural and historical sites. The region is close to UNESCO World Heritage towns like Goslar and Quedlinburg, known for their half-timbered houses. Wernigerode, with its charming castle, is also a frequent destination. Some routes, like the Jungborn Harz Picnic Area – Kaiserweg Trail loop from Stapelburg, follow historic paths like the Kaiserweg Trail.

The touring cycling routes in Nordharz are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 300 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, the well-developed network of paths, and the opportunity to explore both natural beauty and historical sites.

Absolutely. While there are many easy routes, Nordharz also offers challenging options for experienced touring cyclists. The Ecker Reservoir – View of the Brocken loop from Stapelburg, for example, is classified as difficult, featuring significant elevation gain and a distance of over 30 km, providing a rewarding experience with panoramic views.

Yes, dense forests are a defining characteristic of Nordharz. Many routes, such as the Jungborn Forest Café – Hinze Watermill (Former) loop from Abbenrode, lead you deep into the woods, offering shaded paths and the fresh, clear air of the Harz National Park.

The entire Harz region boasts a well-developed network. Within Nordharz, you'll find numerous interconnected paths. The Volksbank Arena Harz, for example, features 74 circular routes covering about 2400 km², with many tours accessible from towns like Bad Lauterberg, offering a vast array of options for all types of cyclists.