The view from the Devil’s Wall at Königsstein stretches across the wooded edge of the Harz and the northern Harz foothills to Weddersleben, to the north. St. Michael’s Church is in the village; a circular hiking route starts nearby at the Bode bridge. If you are looking for a holiday apartment for your trip, you can first consider whether to focus on Weddersleben or on the trails and cultural attractions in the wider destination of Thale.

Hiking at the Devil’s Wall

The circular hiking route nearby starts at the Devil’s Wall car park at the Bode bridge between Weddersleben and Neinstedt. At the starting point, follow the “Teufelsmauer” signs marked with the “Teufel” symbol. Check the route details before setting out, as they may change. The starting point provides a clear reference for anyone who wants to include a circular trail in their plans.

Further afield in the region, the Devil’s Wall Trail runs for 35 kilometres. Opened in August 2009, it follows all the rocky elevations of the Devil’s Wall from Ballenstedt to Blankenburg. The two hiking options therefore differ in their format and scale: one is a circular route between Weddersleben and Neinstedt, while the other is a 35-kilometre trail with endpoints in Ballenstedt and Blankenburg. The view from Königsstein adds its own distinctive landscape: from there, you can see both the wooded edge of the Harz and the northern Harz foothills, as well as Weddersleben.

Hiking and cultural attractions in the destination of Thale

Several themed trails in the wider destination of Thale offer different points of interest. The Thale Myths Trail is a themed walking route from the exit of the Bode Gorge to Thale’s old town. Thirteen sculptures by various artists line the trail. Another themed hiking trail at the Devil’s Wall runs through Thale and passes all the prominent rock formations of the Devil’s Wall. The choice comes down to one question: would you prefer a route shaped by sculptures and myths, or one focused on the rock formations of the Devil’s Wall?

Thale’s history can also be explored from different perspectives. Wendhusen Abbey was founded in Wendhusen in 825; Wendhusen is now part of Thale’s old town. The Thale GDR Museum focuses on home and everyday culture in the GDR. Those interested in the past can therefore consider a historic site and an exhibition on more recent everyday culture as different themes for their stay.

The Harz Mountain Theatre is an open-air theatre on the Hexentanzplatz. Its programme features mystical stories, legendary fairy tales, operettas, musicals, plays and concerts. As the programme changes with the seasons, it is worth checking performance dates in advance. The Thale Cable Cars Adventure World also offers two different destinations: take the chairlift to the Rosstrappe rock massif, or the gondola lift up to the Hexentanzplatz. Operating hours vary by season; check the timetable before your trip. Thale is also a starting point for hikes into the Bode Gorge and for the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg trail.

Discover more destinations: Stecklenberg, Neinstedt, Friedrichsbrunn, Westerhausen, Treseburg, Altenbrak, Allrode.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Thale.