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Harz Mountains

Mansfeld-Südharz

Südharz

Josephskreuz Observation Tower – Joseph Cross Observation Tower loop from Großer Auerberg

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Harz Mountains

Mansfeld-Südharz

Südharz

Josephskreuz Observation Tower – Joseph Cross Observation Tower loop from Großer Auerberg

Easy

4.6

(49)

211

hikers

Josephskreuz Observation Tower – Joseph Cross Observation Tower loop from Großer Auerberg

00:45

2.45km

90m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 6, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Biosphärenreservat Karstlandschaft Südharz

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

97 m

Historic Signpost at Auerberg Parking Lot

Highlight • Monument

Beautiful old signpost was created in the parking lot opposite the forester's house Auerberg was probably built in connection with the construction of the Joseph Cross in 1896.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

212 m

Steep Ascent to Josephshöhe

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The climb is rewarded with a beautiful view of the Joseph Cross.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.13 km

Josephskreuz on the Great Auerberg

Highlight • Monument

The Joseph Cross is a must in the south-eastern Harz. It stands on Josephshöhe and is, so to speak, a piece of Paris in the Harz Mountains. The Joseph Cross is the largest iron double cross in the world, which was built based on the model of the Eiffel Tower in 1896. The 38 meter high steel framework is held together by around 100,000 rivets and weighs 125 tons. You can climb the observation tower for a fee.

The best way to get there is a short hike from the Auerberg car park. If you want to do a longer hike, it is best to start from Stolberg.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.16 km

Bergstüb'l Josephskreuz (Josephskreuz Mountain Inn)

Highlight • Restaurant

Nice family-run restaurant for in-between refreshments. Located right next to the Josephskreuz. Don't forget to stamp for the HWN!

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.21 km

Josephskreuz Observation Tower

Highlight • Monument

Wonderful view of the Harz. The HWN stamping point is also located here.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.55 km

Rest stop at Auerberg

Highlight • Rest Area

Rest area with bench and table at the Auerberg. Those who have made the steep ascent can take a break here.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.45 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

1.43 km

821 m

146 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

1.99 km

207 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Monday 24 August

22°C

8°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

March 13, 2025,Wanderung zum Josephskreuz 😚

Finally, and for consolation, the Joseph's Cross, that was Thomas's idea 🌝😘

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Josephskreuz Observation Tower – Joseph Cross Observation Tower loop from Großer Auerberg

Historic Signpost at Auerberg Parking Lot

Steep Ascent to Josephshöhe

Josephskreuz on the Great Auerberg

Bergstüb'l Josephskreuz (Josephskreuz Mountain Inn)

Josephskreuz Observation Tower

Rest stop at Auerberg

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