Lonauer Wasserfall

The Karstwanderweg Südharz extends over 265 kilometres through the picturesque karst landscape of central Germany and leads through the districts of Mansfeld-Südharz in Saxony-Anhalt, Göttingen in Lower Saxony and Nordhausen in Thuringia. An absolute highlight on this route is the Lonau waterfall with a drop of around 15 metres. It is one of the highest in the Harz Mountains and plunges down several rocky steps with a great roar, providing a wonderful backdrop for hikers. This impressive waterfall was formed naturally and by the varying hardness of the rocks.

The waterfall marks the boundary between the karst area of the southern Harz foreland and the rock of the Harz Mountains. It was created by the different resistance of the subsoil where the Lonau and Sieber rivers meet. The Lonau, which flows over the harder Harz greywacke, found it difficult to create a riverbed, while the Sieber eroded more easily into the softer limestone of the karst country and cut around ten metres deeper over the course of time.

The Lonau waterfall is one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the Harz Mountains and is located near the village of Lonau, south of Herzberg am Harz in Lower Saxony. The idyllic circular hiking trail next to it, which runs along the mouth of the Lonau and Sieber rivers, is highly recommended for hiking enthusiasts.

Experience the Lonau waterfall up close

You can reach the Lonau waterfall on well-maintained hiking trails. It is part of the Harz Witches' Trail, a popular hiking trail in the Harz Mountains that connects various sights and natural beauties. A hike through the forest leads to this fascinating natural spectacle, which exudes a unique atmosphere in every season.

Lush shades of green dominate in spring and summer, the bright colours of the foliage in autumn and a glistening blanket of snow in winter. For hikers, globetrotters and nature lovers, a visit to the Lonau waterfall in the Harz Mountains is definitely worthwhile. Photographers who are inspired by the beauty of nature will also find very special motifs in this little corner of the world. Our tip: why not sit down on the comfortable benches close to the waterfall and just let your mind wander - a perfect place to enjoy nature to the full.

Discover excursion destinations in the surrounding area

The village of Lonau is a beautiful place with half-timbered houses and an idyllic atmosphere. Here you can take a relaxed stroll through the narrow streets, admire the church or linger in cosy cafés. The former Cistercian monastery of Walkenried is located nearby. Today it is a museum that tells the story of the monastery and the life of the monks in the Middle Ages.

Lower Saxony's highest mountain, the Wurmberg, rises up not far from the Lonau waterfall in the Harz Mountains. A cable car takes you comfortably to the summit, where you can catch a breathtaking view of the peaceful Harz landscape. On the Wurmberg tower at an altitude of 1,000 metres, you can enjoy pure, clean air. In winter, the Wurmberg attracts numerous visitors as a popular ski resort. Below the mountain is the small town of Braunlage - here you can stroll through the charming old town, shop, feast or relax. We recommend a nostalgic trip on the Harz narrow-gauge railway not only to railway enthusiasts, but to every visitor. Historic steam trains convey a sense of romance as they wind their way through the picturesque Harz landscape.