Welcome to our new series “The most beautiful places to hike in Germany”, in which we test various hiking routes in the region for their suitability for hikers of all experience levels. Whether well-known routes or hidden paths – we explore them for you and rate them according to criteria such as accessibility, landscape experience, level of difficulty, family-friendliness and accessibility. In this series, we want to inspire you to discover new places and enrich your hiking experience in Germany.

Why explore new hiking routes in Germany?

Many of us have our favorite routes that we like to hike again and again – for me, for example, it’s the Harz Mountains. But there are so many more hiking trails in Germany just waiting to be discovered. However, the question often arises: where do you start? How well is the route signposted? Are there steep passages or root paths that should be avoided? These uncertainties can stop you from exploring new trails.

In this series, we share our experiences with you and give you valuable tips on the most beautiful hikes in Germany. We take a look at the local infrastructure – for example parking facilities and the condition of the trails – and assess whether the route is suitable for beginners, families or experienced hikers. Today we start with a short but rewarding tour to the Schnarcherklippen in the Harz Mountains.

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Introduction: Hiking to the snoring cliffs

The hike to the Schnarcherklippen in the Harz Mountains begins in the small village of Schierke. This route is ideal for a short tour and particularly appealing for those who want to enjoy the sunrise. Although the trail is not barrier-free, it offers manageable sections and beautiful views even for less experienced hikers. The route leads through forests that have unfortunately been affected by the bark beetle and drought, but there are always interesting rock formations and panoramic views along the way that make the tour varied.

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Hiking route: Overview

Name of the hiking route: Schnarcherklippen circular route

Duration of the hike: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes

Route length: approx. 5 kilometers

Difficulty level: Easy to medium (steep sections and stairs)

Starting and finishing point: Schierke, “Am Tälchen” parking lot

Difference in altitude: approx. 200 meters ascent

The hike starts at the “Am Tälchen” parking lot in Schierke, which is subject to a charge, as are most parking lots in this tourist town. The journey leads along winding roads, which can be a little challenging, especially in bad weather. If you are lucky, there is also a small, free parking lot nearby, which has space for about 8 cars. However, this parking lot is often quickly full, so it is advisable to arrive early. I link the exact location of the free parking lot here on the map.

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Detailed route of the hike

The hike to the Schnarcherklippen starts at the “Am Tälchen” parking lot in Schierke, a popular starting point for hikers in the Harz Mountains. The parking lot is well signposted, although there is a charge, like most parking lots in this tourist town. From here, you start your hike through the tranquil and picturesque little town of Schierke, which is worth a visit in itself. The path initially leads along small alleyways before you leave the town after around 10 minutes and immerse yourself in nature.

Section 1: Schierke – Mäuseklippen (approx. 1.5 km)

Shortly before leaving the village, you cross a small bridge that leads over the Bode, and from here the actual hiking trail begins. The path leads you directly into the forest and is more natural from this point onwards, but is also well signposted. A steady but gentle ascent awaits you on this section of the trail. The ground is stony and riddled with roots, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The hiking trail leads through a forest that has been severely damaged by the bark beetle and drought, which is clearly visible – the trees are thinner and there are many bare areas that used to be densely forested.

After around 20 minutes, you will reach the Mouse Cliffs, a small rock formation to the left of the hiking trail. You can either explore these cliffs or continue directly to the main attraction, the Schnarcherklippen. As the Schnarcherklippen were the destination of my hike and I wanted to see the sunrise from there, I left the Mouse Cliffs to the left and continued along the signposted path.

Section 2: Mäuseklippen – Schnarcherklippen (approx. 300 meters)

From the Mäuseklippen, the path continues for about 300 meters through the sparse forest towards the Schnarcherklippen. The path is still stony and you should pay attention to the uneven ground. Once you reach the Schnarcherklippen, you will come to a staircase that leads you onto the rocks.

The steep stairs are equipped with handrails and offer sufficient support, but a head for heights is an advantage here. The ascent only takes a few minutes and you will be rewarded with an impressive panorama once you reach the top.

View from the Schnarcherklippen:

From the Schnarcherklippen you have a great view of the surrounding Harz mountains. On a clear day, you can see far across the landscape, which makes this point particularly spectacular at sunrise. The rocks offer plenty of space to take a break and enjoy the view. Even though the surrounding forest has been badly damaged by the bark beetle, the view from up here remains a highlight of the hike.

Section 3: Schnarcherklippen – Barenberg – return to Schierke (approx. 3 km)

After you have enjoyed the view from the Schnarcherklippen, you can continue the hike. The next section takes you to the Barenberg, a smaller peak nearby. The path is well signposted and initially continues slightly uphill. Here the path becomes increasingly interspersed with roots and the ground remains uneven. Sturdy shoes and sure-footedness are essential here, as the path can be slippery, especially after rain.

After the short climb up the Barenberg (the ascent is not particularly demanding), the return route to Schierke begins. The path now leads downhill again and runs along a narrow, heavily rooted path that requires a little more concentration due to the gradient and the nature of the ground. The descent takes around 20 to 30 minutes.

As soon as you have completed the descent, the path leads back towards Schierke. The last section of the hike follows the same route you took at the beginning. After a short stretch through the forest, you will reach the bridge again and follow the streets of Schierke back to the “Am Tälchen” parking lot.

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Evaluation criteria of the hike

Accessibility (7/10 points)

• Parking facilities: The parking lot “Am Tälchen” is chargeable. A small free parking lot is available, but is quickly filled.
• Arrival: Schierke is easily accessible, but the winding roads could be challenging for some drive

Nature experience (6/10 points)

• Nature: Many trees have been destroyed by drought and the bark beetle. Nevertheless, the view from the Schnarcherklippen remain spectacular.
• Forests: Still partially present, but badly damaged by the bark beetle plague.

Difficulty level (3/10 points)

• The trail is relatively easy, with some steep sections. The steps to the Schnarcherklippen require surefootedness.

Condition of the path (5/10 points)

• The path is stony and riddled with roots, making it unsuitable for hikers with walking difficulties. The steps to the snoring cliffs are well maintained.

Nature conservation and cleanliness (7/10 points)

• The trail is clean and well maintained. Nature conservation is particularly important here due to the decline of the forest caused by the bark beetle.

Peace and seclusion (6/10 points)

• The trail is particularly quiet in the early morning. Later in the day it can get crowded, as Schierke is a popular tourist destination.

Family friendliness (6/10 points)

• The hike is suitable for fit children, but the rocky and steep passages and especially the ladders on the Schnarcherklippen could be challenging for younger children.

Accessibility (0/10 points)

• The trail is not barrier-free and is not suitable for people with walking difficulties due to the uneven terrain and steep steps.

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Conclusion and evaluation of the hike

Overall rating: 6/10 points

Summary: The hike to the Schnarcherklippen is a beautiful short hike in Germany, especially at sunrise. The trail offers magnificent views, but the condition of the forest is affected by the bark beetle infestation. The route is relatively easy, but the steep steps and rooted paths require surefootedness.

Who is the hike ideal for? This hike is ideal for hikers with some experience who want to enjoy a short but rewarding tour in a classic Harz landscape. There are a few challenges for families and beginners, but the route remains very doable overall.

Tips and recommendations: The tour is particularly rewarding if you do it early in the morning to experience the sunrise. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended due to the stony terrain, and as there is no refreshment along the way, you should take plenty of water and snacks with you.

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Have you already visited the Schnarcherklippen? Share your experiences in the comments!

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