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View into the Bode Valley – Rosstrappe loop from Rosstrappe

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Hiking trails & Routes

View into the Bode Valley – Rosstrappe loop from Rosstrappe

Easy

4.8

(116)

679

hikers

View into the Bode Valley – Rosstrappe loop from Rosstrappe

00:48

1.97km

150m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 16, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Bodetal

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

431 m

Bodetal Nature Reserve

Highlight • Gorge

Thale is located on the north-eastern edge of the Harz Mountains, where the Bode emerges from the mountains and has dug a deep gorge between the steep, legendary rocks Hexentanzplatz and Rosstrappe. In this gorge, the wild and romantic Bodetal, exciting myths and legends, fairytale forests, babbling brooks and raging rivers, fascinating rock formations and fantastic views await the visitor.

With the impressive Bodetal, the Hexentanzplatz and the Roßtrappe, the beautiful landscape and the entrance to the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg, a 100-kilometer long-distance hiking trail between Thale and Osterode, Thale is a very popular, eventful holiday destination for hikers and nature lovers.

The Hexentanzplatz, located on a rock plateau at 454 m above sea level high above the Bodetal, is transformed every year on the night of May 1st, Walpurgis Night, into the festival site of witches and devils, a place of myths and legends.

With the remains of a former castle complex, the witch ring with its sculptures and the Walpurgis Hall, the Hexentanzplatz is also a uniquely mystical place on the remaining days of the year. Other attractions of the Hexentanzplatz are the Harzer Bergtheater, the Harzbob and the Thale zoo.

No less legendary rises above the left bank of the Bode the Rosstrappe, a 403 meter high granite rock out of the Bodetal. Numerous legends are entwined around the rock, which is considered to be one of the greatest rock formations north of the Alps, due to a depression that resembles a footprint. This story is vividly told in the pavilion of legends high up on the Rosstrappe.

With the Thale Erlebniswelt cable car, the Bodetal has another highlight. It is the starting point of the cable car to the Hexentanzplatz and the chairlift to the Roßtrappe and offers a wide range of fun and leisure activities for young and old with various fun parks, a show hydroelectric power station, a downhill track and the witches' cauldron.

For rest and relaxation after an eventful day, the Bodetal Therme with thermal baths, sauna world, relaxation and health programs, as well as wellness and massage offers.

Source: harzinfo.de/urlaubsorte/thale

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679 m

Rosstrappe – Schurre Junction (HWN 71)

Highlight • Viewpoint

There are many stamping points in Tahle and the surrounding area.

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704 m

Viewpoint of the Roßtrappe and the Bodetal from the Schurre

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Rosstrappe is 403m above sea level. N.N. one of the smaller granite rocks on the edge of the Bodetal. However, due to its steeply sloping flank, it is no less spectacular and offers a great view of the Hexentanzplatz and the Bode Valley.
The Rosstrappe got its name from the white steed on which the king's daughter Brunhilde fled from the giant Bodo. The horse jumped from the cliff onto the opposite rock, the giant Bodo fell into the river and gave him his name: Bode.
The imprint of the white horse can still be seen here in the rock.

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817 m

Rocky ascent to the Roßtrappe

Highlight • Climb

A rocky and exciting climb. Be careful if you are restricted in walking. But the view is fantastic.

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884 m

View into the Bode Valley

Highlight • Viewpoint

950 m

View of the Schurre

Highlight • Viewpoint

Moderately steep and easily walkable with suitable footwear.

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952 m

The Hoofprint of Brunhilde's Horse (Rosstrappe)

Highlight • Natural Monument

The great jump of the horse from the rock (Hexentanzplatz) over the valley to the other rock (Rosstrappe), so that the princess Brunhilde could get to safety from the giant Bodo. When the horse's hoof hit the rock, this hoof print was created and so the 403m high granite rock was given the name "Rosstrappe".

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984 m

Rosstrappe

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Rosstrappe rock near Thale, which protrudes far above, impresses above all with its steep edges and its view. Hundreds of meters of steep flanks fall here and somewhere down below the Bode flows rushing. The Rosstrappe is usually well attended, so you should avoid it on weekends. But the view is always worth it.

Typical Harz: The Rosstrappe owes its name to a legend. Prince Bodo pursued the king's daughter Brunhilde, who saved herself with a bold leap on her horse from the Hexentanzplatz (the rock opposite the Rosstrappe) via the Bodetal to the Rosstrappe. However, the prince's horse didn't make it, it fell down (Bode) and Bodo turned into a black dog. It is said that the hoof print of Brunhilde's landing can still be seen on the Rosstrappe.

Translated by Google •

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1.97 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

1.16 km

245 m

220 m

170 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

1.29 km

403 m

126 m

124 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (430 m)

Lowest point (280 m)

Weather

Saturday 4 July

21°C

15°C

77 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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View into the Bode Valley – Rosstrappe loop from Rosstrappe

Bodetal Nature Reserve

Rosstrappe – Schurre Junction (HWN 71)

Viewpoint of the Roßtrappe and the Bodetal from the Schurre

Rocky ascent to the Roßtrappe

View into the Bode Valley

View of the Schurre

The Hoofprint of Brunhilde's Horse (Rosstrappe)

Rosstrappe

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