Things to Do in Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz
Nature Reserve Guide
Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz is a nature reserve in the Harz Mountains, characterized by its diverse landscapes and significant geological features. The area spans 164 hectares and is divided into two main sections: Jermerstein in the south and Kalbetal in the north. Jermerstein features impressive quartzite rock formations and cliffs surrounded by near-natural beech-spruce forests, while Kalbetal is dominated by extensive spruce forests. This varied terrain provides opportunities for several sports like hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, mountain biking, and more, within…
199
Routes
4.6
(8573)
Average rating
34446
People visited
4.7
(1333)
4,506
hikers
12.0km
03:36
390m
390m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(550)
1,877
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(225)
1,005
hikers
8.44km
02:48
400m
400m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(420)
1,355
hikers
10.2km
03:09
380m
380m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(37)
967
riders
40.0km
02:10
770m
770m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.7
(56)
928
riders
16.9km
00:58
390m
390m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(9)
281
riders
86.0km
04:34
1,660m
1,660m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.5
(4)
157
riders
98.0km
04:34
1,250m
1,250m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.9
(82)
287
riders
41.8km
03:33
1,090m
1,090m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.6
(24)
74
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.8
(41)
137
riders
50.8km
04:13
1,010m
1,010m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.6
(27)
102
riders
26.6km
02:08
640m
640m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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4.5
(134)
618
riders
31.4km
02:27
780m
790m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(64)
481
riders
14.8km
01:08
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(4)
82
riders
36.9km
03:18
920m
920m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(8)
59
riders
39.0km
03:16
610m
610m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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4.9
(8)
98
riders
67.5km
04:50
1,410m
1,410m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.7
(3)
56
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
33
riders
43.2km
02:50
780m
780m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(2)
15
riders
24.3km
01:54
610m
610m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(5)
129
runners
24.4km
02:53
640m
640m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(2)
29
runners
10.8km
01:13
120m
120m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
13
runners
6.08km
00:40
130m
130m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
10
runners
12.2km
01:27
220m
220m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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8
hikers
13.4km
03:57
400m
400m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
24.5km
07:35
890m
890m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(2)
6
hikers
15.1km
04:31
430m
430m
Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(2)
4
hikers
Moderate mountaineering route. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz?
Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz is a nature reserve in the Harz Mountains, covering 164 hectares. It is characterized by diverse landscapes, including the Jermerstein quartzite rock formations and the spruce forests of Kalbetal. The reserve is managed by the Niedersächsischer Landesbetrieb für Wasserwirtschaft, Küsten- und Naturschutz (NLWKN).
What outdoor activities are available in Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz?
Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz offers a variety of outdoor activities, including Hiking, Road cycling, Touring cycling, Mountain biking, Gravel biking, and Jogging. The area features more than 160 routes, with an average komoot rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 8,000 ratings.
What are the most popular hiking trails in Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz?
Popular hiking trails include the Lower Bode Waterfall – Wurmberg Summit loop from Braunlage, a moderate 7.5-mile (12.0 km) route. Another option is the Wooden boardwalk at the Oderteich – Oderteich | Reservoir loop, which is a moderate 7.4-mile (12.0 km) hike. For more options, explore the Hiking in Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz guide.
Are there challenging hiking trails in Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz?
While many trails are moderate, the broader Harz region, which includes parts of the nature reserve, offers challenging routes. For example, the Lower Bode Waterfall – Wurmberg Summit loop includes significant elevation changes. Hikers seeking more difficult terrain can find options that lead to higher peaks and through varied landscapes.
What road cycling routes are available in Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz?
Road cyclists can explore routes like the Brockenbahn Steam Railway – Schwarze Schluftwasser loop from Braunlage, a moderate 24.9-mile (40.0 km) ride. More challenging options include the Brockenbahn Steam Railway – Titan RT Suspension Bridge loop, a difficult 60.9-mile (98.0 km) route. Find more routes in the Road Cycling Routes in Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz guide.
What mountain biking trails can be found in Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz?
Mountain bikers can ride trails such as the difficult Brocken Summit – Achtermannshöhe Summit View loop from Torfhaus, spanning 25.9 miles (41.8 km). A moderate option is the Upper Bode Falls – Oderteich Lake and Beach loop from Braunlage, at 24.9 miles (40.0 km). The MTB Trails in Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz guide provides additional routes.
Are there family-friendly or easy hiking options in Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz?
The nature reserve and surrounding areas offer routes suitable for various fitness levels, including easier paths. While specific 'easy' routes are not highlighted in the top komoot tours, the Easy hikes in Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz guide can help identify suitable options. Many trails around the Oderteich reservoir are generally accessible.
What natural features and attractions are in Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz?
Key natural features include the Jermerstein, with its quartzite rock formations and views of Wurmberg, Achtermann, and Brocken. The Kalbetal section is known for its spruce forests. The broader area also features the Oderteich reservoir and various historical waterways from the Oberharz Water Management system.
What komoot guides are available for Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz?
Komoot offers several guides for Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz, including Hiking in Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz, Road Cycling Routes in Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz, and MTB Trails in Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz. Other guides cover Waterfall hikes, Easy hikes, Cycling, Gravel biking, Running Trails, Mountain Hikes, and Attractions.
How can I find out more about Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz or contact its administration?
The Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz is administered by the Niedersächsischer Landesbetrieb für Wasserwirtschaft, Küsten- und Naturschutz (NLWKN). Information can be found on their website. For general tourism inquiries about the broader Oberharz region, visit Oberharz.de or contact the Tourist-Information Altenau / Schulenberg at +49 (0)5328 802-0.
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