Nature Reserve Guide
The district of Goslar is home to 7 designated nature reserves, which are integral to the conservation of the Harz mountains' ecosystems. These protected areas are situated within the Harz and its foreland, encompassing a variety of landscapes from high-altitude mountain meadows and dense spruce forests to the wild river valleys of the Oker and Innerste. The varied terrain provides extensive opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling. This page provides a comprehensive list of nature reserves in Goslar.
Across the best nature reserves in Goslar, komoot aggregates more than 1,000 routes for activities like hiking and cycling. More than 171,000 visitors have shared their experiences, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. The Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz offers more than 70 hiking trails through its forests and past rock formations. In the Nsg Bergwiesen Bei St. Andreasberg, a network of routes crosses species-rich mountain meadows, a landscape shaped by centuries of traditional farming. The river valleys of the Oker- Und Eckertal provide a different character, with numerous routes for hiking and cycling along the water. These reserves are managed to preserve specific habitats and species, offering a chance to experience landscapes protected for their ecological significance.
1250
Routes
4.6
(40628)
Average rating
161K+
Explored with komoot
Last updated: April 23, 2026

4.6
(9060)
31,393
hikers
Oker- Und Eckertal is a nature reserve in the Northern Harz Foreland, offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and mountaineering through river valleys and granite formations.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(7637)
31,355
hikers
Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz is a Harz Mountains nature reserve with diverse landscapes, from quartzite cliffs to spruce forests, offering routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(6137)
26,345
hikers
Nsg Wurmberg is a Harz Mountains nature reserve offering diverse terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling routes on Lower Saxony's highest peak.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(6123)
24,976
hikers
Nsg Bergwiesen Bei St. Andreasberg is a Harz nature reserve with diverse mountain meadows and varied terrain for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking routes.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(5622)
24,676
hikers
Nsg Bachtäler Im Oberharz Um Braunlage is a diverse nature reserve in the Harz mountains, offering over 100 routes for hiking, cycling, and more across varied terrain.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(5557)
19,925
hikers
Nsg Okertal Südlich Vienenburg is a 205-hectare nature reserve with diverse terrain along the Oker River, offering routes for hiking, cycling, and more.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(492)
3,020
hikers
Appelhorn is a nature reserve offering diverse landscapes and over 50 routes for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking. Its varied terrain supports a range of outdoor pursuits.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
The nature reserves in Goslar are protected areas preserving the diverse ecosystems of the Harz mountains and its foreland. This page aggregates 7 of these reserves, including notable areas like the Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz and Nsg Wurmberg. These reserves feature landscapes ranging from mountain meadows and dense forests to river valleys.
The primary activities in Goslar's nature reserves are human-powered outdoor sports. Hiking is the most prominent activity, with options for mountain biking and road cycling also widely available. In total, there are more than 1,200 routes across the reserves for various sports.
The district of Goslar contains over 20 designated nature reserves (Naturschutzgebiete). This page provides detailed information and route collections for 7 of these protected areas, including the Oker- Und Eckertal and Nsg Bergwiesen Bei St. Andreasberg.
Goslar's nature reserves offer a wide variety of hiking trails through diverse landscapes. For example, the Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz contains over 70 hiking routes through forests and past rock formations. The Nsg Bergwiesen Bei St. Andreasberg features more than 70 hiking routes across species-rich mountain meadows.
Yes, mountain biking is a popular activity in the region's nature reserves. The Nsg Wurmberg, Lower Saxony's highest peak, offers around 40 routes suitable for both standard and easy mountain biking. The varied terrain across the Harz mountains provides trails for multiple skill levels.
The Naturschutzgebiet Oberharz is characterized by extensive beech and spruce forests, moors, streams, and quartzite rock formations. It is part of the larger Harz National Park and provides habitat for wildlife such as red deer, wildcats, and the reintroduced lynx. The reserve offers over 200 routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.
The Oker- Und Eckertal reserve protects the wild river valleys of the Oker and Ecker. The landscape features the rushing rivers, impressive granite cliffs, and surrounding forests. This area offers over 180 routes for activities including hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking.
Yes, there are options for easier and family-oriented hikes within the nature reserves. Many areas feature well-maintained trail networks with routes of varying difficulty. For specific recommendations, collections of easy and family-friendly hikes around Goslar are available.
Many trails in the Goslar area are suitable for hiking with dogs, but specific regulations can vary by reserve. In the Harz National Park, dogs must be kept on a leash to protect wildlife. It is important to check local signage and rules for the specific area being visited.
The nature reserves in Goslar can be visited year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Summer is ideal for hiking among the colorful mountain meadows, while autumn provides vibrant foliage in the forests. The Oberharz region also offers winter hiking opportunities, though conditions require appropriate gear.
The protected areas in the Harz mountains are home to a diverse range of wildlife. The Oberharz region provides a habitat for species including red deer, wildcats, and capercaillies. The lynx has also been successfully reintroduced into this protected environment.

