4.6
(21487)
71,353
hikers
161
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Ilsenburg (Harz) offer access to the diverse landscapes of the Harz National Park. The region is characterized by dense forests, the scenic Ilse Valley with its waterfalls, and prominent rock formations like Ilsestein. Hikers can explore varied terrain, from river valleys to the lower slopes of the Brocken, the highest mountain in the Harz.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
4.8
(708)
1,942
hikers
7.83km
02:19
240m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.3
(65)
201
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.7
(805)
2,930
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(1586)
5,743
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.9
(584)
1,752
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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The Plessenburg is worth a trip, whether as a starting point for hikes, a stop for refreshments in between, or as the end of a great hike. With tasty dishes for lunch or delicious cakes for coffee, there is something for everyone here. Stamp point of the HWN.
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The bridge is currently closed due to construction work on the path east of the Ilse.
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A really beautiful forest area just before Ilsenburg.
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The Ilsestein is undoubtedly one of the extensive list of particularly impressive rock cliffs in the Harz. Its walkable part is about 130 meters long, with its upper area being a narrow, just a few meters wide rock ridge. The elongated granite formation runs from southeast to northwest. The Ilsestein is densely forested, but still has many vantage points with impressive views. The terrain drops almost vertically in some places. Many of the areas accessible to visitors are secured with railings, but not everywhere. The Ilsestein consists of the Ilsestein granite named after it, which geologically belongs to the granite area of the Brocken massif. The rock is particularly rich in quartz and has numerous large-volume fillings with various other minerals. For this reason, the Ilsestein granite is less suitable as a material, which is why there are no quarries in this area. Source: https://www.harzlife.de/extra/ilsestein.html
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In the years 1775-1776, Count Heinrich Ernst of Stolberg-Wernigerode had a stately hunting lodge built on the Königskoll in the Huysburger Häu south of Ilsenburg. He named it Plessenburg after his son-in-law, Prince Friedrich Erdmann of Anhalt-Köthen-Pleß. A little way away from the hunting lodge, a forester's lodge was built in the 19th century, which soon became a popular restaurant for day trippers. Immediately next to the hunting lodge, however, a half-timbered building for the kitchen staff was built in 1880, which was used by the catering business after the expropriation of the Princes of Stolberg-Wernigerode after the Second World War and which was later structurally connected to the old hunting lodge to form a building complex that is now used as a popular restaurant for day trippers. Numerous hiking trails lead to Plessenburg from the surrounding areas of Ilsenburg, Drübeck, Darlingerode, Wernigerode and Bad Harzburg. It is a popular stopover on the way to or from the highest peak in the Harz, the Brocken. Not far from the Plessenburg are the Wolfsklippen with a viewing platform, the Ilse Falls in the Ilsetal and the Ilsestein. Furthermore, the Plessenburg can be reached on certain days from the beginning of May to the end of October by a bus line from Wernigerode via Ilsenburg. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plessenburg
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On one side green hills and on the other side a beautiful view towards Ilsenburg
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There are over 160 hiking routes around Ilsenburg (Harz) that are easily accessible from bus stations. These trails offer a wide range of experiences, from leisurely strolls to challenging ascents, all within reach of public transport.
The trails accessible from Ilsenburg bus stations offer a diverse range of terrain, from the wild and romantic Ilse Valley to the higher elevations of the Harz National Park. You'll find a good mix of difficulties: 76 routes are rated easy, 72 are moderate, and 17 are difficult, ensuring options for all fitness levels.
Yes, Ilsenburg offers several family-friendly options. Many easier loops around the Ilsetal Valley and the Ilsenburg Trout Pond are perfect for families. These routes often feature gentle gradients and scenic spots for breaks, making them enjoyable for all ages.
Generally, dogs are welcome on hiking trails in the Harz National Park, provided they are kept on a leash. This allows you and your canine companion to enjoy the beautiful landscapes together. Always ensure to follow local regulations and clean up after your pet.
Yes, many of the trails accessible from Ilsenburg bus stations are circular, allowing you to start and end your hike at the same point without needing to retrace your steps. For example, the Heinrich Heine Trail (Ilse Valley) – Paternoster Cliff loop from Prinzess-Ilse-Quelle is a moderate 7.5 km circular route.
Many trails lead through the stunning Ilsetal Valley, known for its wild beauty and the impressive Ilse Falls. You can also discover prominent rock formations like the Ilsestein and Engagement Island (HWN 116), offering magnificent views of the surrounding nature.
Absolutely. Ilsenburg has a rich history. You can combine your hike with visits to historical sites like the 1000-year-old Ilsenburg Abbey or Drübeck Abbey, which are part of the Romanesque Road. The town itself, a state-recognized climatic health resort, features old houses and romantic lanes.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 14,500 ratings. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the well-maintained trails through the Harz National Park, and the stunning natural features like the Ilse Falls and panoramic viewpoints.
Yes, you can embark on challenging routes to the Brocken from Ilsenburg. The Heinrich Heine Trail (Ilse Valley) – Brocken Summit loop from Prinzess-Ilse-Quelle is a difficult 20 km route that takes you to the summit, rewarding you with spectacular panoramic views.
The Ilse Valley is famous for its waterfalls. The Heinrich Heine Trail (Ilse Valley) – Lower Ilse Falls loop from Ilsenburg (Harz) is a difficult 24 km route that takes you past the impressive Ilse Falls, where the river cascades over rocks, creating beautiful natural spectacles.
For a moderate experience, consider the Sand valley tour through Darlingröder Switzerland - Harz Geopark Nature Park. This 13.5 km route offers varied scenery and is a great way to explore the region without extreme difficulty.


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