5.0
(3)
14
hikers
Ellrich Church Hiking Trail
07:30
27.8km
360m
Hiking
This difficult 17.3-mile hiking trail in Naturpark Südharz connects ten historic churches, offering cultural exploration and karst landscape
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
718 m
St. Spiritus Church (Capella Infirmorum) in Ellrich
Highlight • Religious Site
The St. Spiritus Church has a votive stone from 1461 that is worth seeing and which depicts a Pieta. You can read a short note about this in the church hiking trail booklet.
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Tip by
1.10 km
St. Johannis Church, Ellrich
Highlight • Religious Site
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Tip by
1.25 km
St. Johannis Church (Market Square, Südharz)
Highlight • Religious Site
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1.89 km
St. Marien Church (Frauenbergkirche) in Ellrich
Highlight • Religious Site
For me, St. Mary's Church is the most beautiful church in the Ellrich parish and must be preserved. Colloquially, it is also called the Frauenberg Church. You can read a short note about it in the church hiking trail booklet.
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5.85 km
St. Katharina Church in Sülzhayn
Highlight • Religious Site
The St. Katharina Church in Sülzhayn is a very impressive church. There is also a bench on an adjacent meadow. You can read a short note about this in the church hiking trail booklet.
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Tip by
8.79 km
St. Johannis Church in Werna
Highlight • Religious Site
St. Johannis Church is a baroque hall church and was built in 1648. There is even a crypt here. You can read a short note about this in the church hiking trail booklet.
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12.4 km
St. Jakobus Church in Appenrode
Highlight • Religious Site
The St. Jakobus Church really surprised me. The wooden ceiling was clearly visible and showed a peasant painting. The sexton spoke of a special feature, but I couldn't remember everything. You can read a short note about it in the church hiking trail booklet.
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15.7 km
St.-Johannis-Kirche Woffleben
Highlight • Religious Site
St. Johannis Church is unique in the southern Harz region due to its structure as a transept church. The altar comes from the Runstedt church, which fell victim to open-cast lignite mining. You can read a short note about this in the church hiking trail booklet.
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Tip by
20.5 km
St. Peter and Paul Church, Mauderode
Highlight • Religious Site
The St. Peter and Paul Church is a choir tower church that was built around 1600. The bells are probably just as old. You can read a short note about this in the church hiking trail booklet.
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Tip by
22.6 km
St. Vitus Church Gudersleben
Highlight • Religious Site
The St. Vitus Church in its current form was consecrated in 1737. However, it is much older, its bells date from 1476 and 1560. You can read a short note about this in the church hiking trail booklet.
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Tip by
27.8 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
14.4 km
7.89 km
2.66 km
1.56 km
1.26 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
7.81 km
6.89 km
5.82 km
4.26 km
1.73 km
1.24 km
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Elevation
Highest point (340 m)
Lowest point (210 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 16 July
27°C
17°C
90 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ellrich church hiking trail suitable for beginners?
No, this trail is generally considered difficult and requires very good fitness and sure-footedness. It is best suited for experienced hikers.
What is the terrain like on this trail?
The terrain largely consists of mostly accessible paths, but some sections may be uneven or challenging, requiring sure-footedness. You'll traverse through diverse landscapes, including beech woods, dry grasslands with orchids, and areas characteristic of the gypsum karst landscape found in the Naturpark Südharz, which can feature unique formations like ponors and steep gypsum cliffs.
What makes the Ellrich church hiking trail unique?
This trail is notable for its focus on cultural heritage, connecting ten historic churches within the Ellrich parish. Hikers can collect a unique stamp at each of the ten participating churches using a special stamp pass. Upon presenting a fully stamped pass, you are awarded a special hiking badge, adding a quest-like element to your experience.
What are the main points of interest along the route?
The primary attractions are the ten historic churches you'll visit, including the St. Spiritus Church (Capella Infirmorum) in Ellrich, St. Johannis Church, Ellrich, St. Marien Church (Frauenbergkirche) in Ellrich, and St. Katharina Church in Sülzhayn. Beyond the churches, you'll enjoy the natural beauty of the Südharz Nature Park, with its unique karst formations and diverse flora and fauna.
Where can I park to access the Ellrich church hiking trail?
While specific parking locations are not detailed, the trail starts and ends in Ellrich. Look for designated parking areas within Ellrich or near the initial church highlights to begin your hike.
Are there public transport options to reach the trailhead?
Information on specific public transport connections to the trailhead is not readily available. It is advisable to check local bus or train schedules for Ellrich to plan your journey.
Is the Ellrich church hiking trail dog-friendly?
While the Naturpark Südharz generally welcomes dogs, specific regulations for this particular trail are not detailed. It's always best to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature park areas, to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers.
What is the best time of year to hike this trail?
The best time to hike this trail is typically during the spring, summer, and early autumn months when the weather is mild and the paths are clear. This allows for comfortable exploration of both the natural landscapes and the historic churches.
Are there any permits or fees required to hike in Naturpark Südharz?
Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required for hiking on public trails within the Naturpark Südharz. However, always respect local regulations and signage, especially concerning protected areas.
Does the trail intersect with other well-known hiking paths?
Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Harzrundweg, Karstwanderweg, Radroutennetz Nordhausen, and the Kaiserweg, among others. This offers opportunities to explore parts of these longer-distance trails.
Is the Ellrich church hiking trail suitable for families?
Given its classification as a difficult hike requiring very good fitness and sure-footedness, this trail may not be suitable for all families, especially those with young children or individuals unaccustomed to challenging hikes. Consider the fitness level of all participants before attempting the full route.
Comments
What a nice tour ... it was fun!
This circular route connects all the churches in the parish of Ellrich in the most beautiful natural setting. His walking sign is a blue sun with a white E.
If you are interested, you can read more here: meine-kirchenzeitung.de/suedharz/c-blickpunkt/neuer-wanderweg-im-suedharz-eroeffnet_a27294
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