Eckertalsperre

When the Eckertalsperre dam was built in the Harz Mountains 80 years ago, a paradisiacal hiking area was created in the north German lowlands. Moss-covered rocks and marvellous views of the Brocken accompany you on the circular trails of the Eckertalsperre. The Radau waterfall and the Ilse waterfalls are also not too far from the reservoir. Water cascading over rock faces or into the depths is particularly impressive on hikes. In addition to the fantastic hiking trails around the Eckertalsperre, the construction of the reservoir also secured the groundwater supply for the cities of Braunschweig, Wolfenbüttel and Wolfsburg. It also solved the problem of flooding in this rainy area.

Three Valleys Tour theme trail

At around 17 kilometres, this circular trail is ideal for hiking fans. On this moderately challenging hiking trail, you will initially pass a high ropes course, a tree root path and a philosopher's stream. Depending on your taste and stamina, you can also extend this route and walk along the treetop path in Bad Harzburg, for example. Of course, you can also opt for shorter sections. The Sennhütte hut with its small pond and a forest play area are great places to rest if you are travelling with children. The forest swing, the Hassel pond and the Kalte Tal are also waiting for nature lovers on this hiking route. The Eckertalsperre dam enchants with its view of the Brocken and the play of the sun's rays in the water. A final highlight is the Radau waterfall. Here, the water cascades 22 metres down into the valley.

Mountain bike Eldorado Eckertalsperre

The mountain bike trails around the Eckertalsperre reservoir in the Harz Mountains also promise rustic trails. Connoisseurs are in the right place here. Because it's not just the 540 metres in altitude that you can cover between the Eckertalsperre, the Rabenklippen and the Molkenhaus forest inn that will inspire you. It is above all the mysterious atmosphere around the Brocken and the delicious blackberries along the way that sweeten the breaks. After the dam wall, a heavily rooted path awaits bikes with good suspension. In principle, you can expect forest floor, meadow, gravel and forest paths on this tour.

Picturesque stamping points

If you enjoy hiking or exploring nature by bike on holiday, you can become a Hiking King or Hiking Emperor with the Harz Hiking Needle. There are also corresponding incentives for children, such as the award of the Hiking Princess or Hiking Prince. The various stamping points are located at special sights, beautiful viewpoints or romantic mountain huts. One very interesting stamping point is at the Eckertalsperre dam. You have to go to the end of the dam, where the small box of stamp station 1 is located on the right-hand side.

A boundary stone with history: dam wall between east and west

34 years ago, the inner-German border ran where you can take a leisurely stroll today. Today, the reservoir marks the border between Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. Back then, it symbolised the division of two worlds. The barbed wire and guard posts have disappeared. Today, the only reminder of the time of division is a boundary stone in the middle of the wall, which has become a popular photo motif. The Harz Mountains are full of history. It is not only the dam wall that bears witness to this, but also the old defence towers, banqueting halls and treasure chambers that can be found in this extensive area. The Harz proves that hiking educates.