Zeterklippen

The Zeterklippen in the Harz Mountains are number 10 on the Harz Hiking Needle and are not only a popular viewpoint, but also one of the more challenging routes on the needle. This is a rock formation consisting of various granite cliffs. Over the decades, they have been opened up to hikers and can now be climbed after a successful hike. They are not only a popular destination for those who want to undertake a challenging hike in this part of the Harz, but also a popular photo motif and an almost unique vantage point in the Harz.

The Zeterklippen in the Harz Mountains as a popular excursion destination

There are many impressive cliffs and rock formations in the Harz Mountains, but the Zeterklippen stand out due to their unique appearance. The so-called wool sack weathering makes it look to the observer as if there are many individual stones that have been deliberately laid on top of each other. Of course, this is not a man-made rock formation. The Zeterklippen in the Harz Mountains are divided into a large Zeterklippe, which is the highest point in the area at a height of around 900 metres, and various smaller cliffs, which can also be climbed.

Challenging hike to the Zeterklippen cliffs

If you want to treat yourself to an impressive view all the way to the Brocken, you will have to work a little to reach the Zeterklippen. As the cliffs are located in the centre of the national park, there are no direct transport links - so there are no public roads or nearby car parks to be found here. Instead, most hikers opt for a day trip, as the hike is one of the more challenging routes on the Harz Hiking Needle. However, you are also rewarded with an almost unique view.

Many hikers choose to start at the Gasthaus Plessenburg or Schierke. From here, it would be the large Brocken road that leads in the direction of the Zeterklippen. Once there, there is an iron ladder attached to the highest cliff, allowing you to enjoy the view in all its splendour. It is also well worth climbing the slightly smaller cliffs and enjoying the view of the valley. They show the same type of weathering and are a popular photo motif. On a good day, the large Zeterklippe cliff offers a view of the entire valley all the way up to the Brocken, providing a wonderful panorama for memories.

Photo 4 - Große Zeterklippe 2006 © Prazak via Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed
Photo 5 - Zeterklippe in the Harz National Park © Olaf v. Drachenfels via Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed
Photo 6 - Hiking trail shortly before the upper Zeterklippe © Dirk Schmidt via Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 2.5 Deed
Photo 7 - Staircase of the upper Zeterklippe © Dirk Schmidt via Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 2.5 Deed