Wurzelweg am Oderteich

The "Sankt Andreasberg loop" hiking route leads through the centre of the national park around the Oderteich pond along a number of hiking highlights. The hiking trail is classed as moderately difficult and is therefore ideal for all fitness levels. As always, the only requirement for the hike is sturdy footwear for the predominantly easy paths. The Oderteich can be hiked completely around. Paved paths, plank paths and root paths alternate.

Across the Oderteich:

The Oderteich is located between Braunlage, St. Andreasberg and Claustal-Zellerfeld and is situated in a beautiful landscape. It is ideal for swimming in summer. Hikers and mountain bikers can start beautiful and, if necessary, extended tours from here. The Oderteich is a historic Oder dam. It was built by Andreasberg miners between 1715 and 1722. Since 2010, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper Harz Water Regal along with other structures.

The tour starts at the bus stop in Oderbrück and leads to the first hiking highlight, the Plankenweg, once you reach the banks of the Oderteich. The well-maintained plank path already offers a great view of the lake and also makes it much easier to walk around it. The plank path is designed to protect nature, so that the Oderteich can be circumnavigated as far as possible without trampling on parts of the natural landscape. Just a little further south along the route, there is an enchanting view of the western shore - a beautiful view surrounded by nature at any time of year.

After about 2.6 kilometres of the hike, you reach the southern bank of the Oderteich and the granite obelisks. The 10 granite columns were used in particular to protect the flood ditch from ice and are now a vivid monument to Harz water management - an absolute must for every hiker. This is followed by a natural root path where there is a risk of tripping. It is therefore advisable to keep your eyes open, especially on this section.

Just above the northern part of the Oderteich is the "Rotenbeek Bach", which offers a great view of the course of the Oder in the Oderteich, the native grasses and the moor opposite. At this point, the Rotenbeek stream flows into the Oder pond. The light is particularly beautiful before sunset.

The final highlight of the Oderteich hike is the Sonnenkappe - a lovely place for a last rest before the hike ends at the bus stop.