Nature Walks

Not only did German reunification allow many cultural assets in eastern Germany to be restored to their former glory, many former military exclusion zones have transformed into areas of unique natural beauty - green history books that give a very special insight into Germany's recent past. This so called "Green Belt" runs right along the former Iron Curtain, where a preserved landscape of shrubs, forest, marshes and heathland developed during the 40 years of Germany's division. This remarkable, transregional biotope system stretches for nearly 870 miles and has over a hundred different rare habitats. Once divided, these regions have been reunited by the fall of the Wall, and networks of trails have been established. 20 years after the fall of the Wall they offer unrestricted walking fun along, across and beyond the former German-German border.

Harz Border Trail
The Harz Border Trail between Ilsenburg in Saxony-Anhalt and Walkenried in Lower Saxony takes visitors through the Harz Mountains along a challenging and diverse 47 miles long section of the Green Belt. It takes several days to cover the entire route. 
The northern part is called "Harzer Hexenstieg" (Harz Witches' Trail) and connects Osterode in Lower Saxony with the romantic Bode river valley in Saxony-Anhalt. It is an idyllic cross-border hiking trail where a memorial stone reminds visitors of Germany's past division. Its highlight is the ascent of Mount Brocken, with 3,747 feet the highest peak in the Harz Mountains, which was a restricted area during the time of the GDR. A huge listening post is a reminder of the Cold War era which today houses a museum and offers visitors a panoramic view over the entire Harz Mountains. In December 2007, the Harz Witches' Trail was certified as a premium hiking trail by the German Hiking Association and awarded "Germany's Most Beautiful Hiking Trail" in 2008.

Harzer Verkehrsverband e.V.
Marktstrasse 45
38640 Goslar
Tel.: +49 5321 34040
Email: info@harzinfo.de
Tourism Website (German)
English Harz Website


Zasenbeck - Traces of the Past, Gifhorn
On this guided tour you walk the "Peace Trail" looking for traces of the previous border between East and West Germany. You experience the history of the village, its economic development and today's life in an exhibition at the local community center and on a tour which comprises of approximately 6 miles if taken in its entirety.
Information: Tour takes place year-round, $19.50 per person including lunch at DEMETER Hof, for groups of 6 people or more.

Südheide Gifhorn GmbH
Tel.: +49 5371 88175
Email: info@suedheide-gifhorn.de
Website