Harz Hiking Pin
Discover the most beautiful places in the Harz Mountains!
Did you know that emperors and empresses are regularly crowned in the Harz Mountains?
The Harz Hiking Badge is the regional hiking badge, for which you must earn 222 stamps and several special stamps. Once you’ve collected all the regular stamps, you’ll be “crowned” the Hiking Empress or Hiking Emperor.
The green stamp boxes for the Harz Hiking Badge await you at particularly scenic or historically significant locations. You collect the stamp impressions in the official Harz Hiking Badge booklet. There is no time limit for collecting stamps, and you can complete as many stages as you like.
And here’s the good news to wrap things up: You only need 8 stamps to earn the Harz Hiking Pin in bronze—and 7 of the Harz Hiking Pin’s stamp locations can be found in the town of Walkenried.
The Harz Hiking Pin—along with many wonderful hiking experiences, a very special souvenir from your vacation in the Harz Mountains.
Collect the stamps for the Harz Hiking Badge around Walkenried
STAMP STATION 166
Sachsensteinhütte
The Sachsenstein, with its towering sheer cliff face, is considered one of the most impressive rock formations in the Southern Harz.
The stamp box is located at the mountain hut, which is just under a 40-minute walk from Walkenried. From there, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the surrounding karst landscape, including Bad Sachsa.
The name Sachsenstein derives from the military conflicts between the Franks and the Saxons in the 6th century. The remains of two castle complexes still bear witness today to the eventful history of Sachsenstein.
STAMPING STATION 192
Historic Plaster Kiln
You can reach the historic plaster kiln via the Kranichteich nature trail, which begins at the community center in Neudorf.
On the 3-kilometer-long trail through the meadows of the pond complex, you’ll learn about the history of fish farming—from the monks’ efforts in the 13th century to the present day—a turbulent history filled with power struggles, rise, and fall.
Tip: Be sure to plan a photo stop at the Priesterstein nature preserve. This massive rock formation by the side of the trail is truly impressive due to its sheer size.
STAMP STATION 58
Little Horse
No, you won’t be greeted here by a friendly neigh. Instead, you’ll be welcomed by a well-maintained pavilion in the woods, adorned with the eponymous little iron “horse” mounted on a weather vane.
Start your hike in the spa gardens of Zorge. The steadily ascending trail through the Steiger Valley is well worth the effort, as you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful view.
Tip: Continue your hike along the HWN 160 Helenenruh and the HWN 163 Bremer Klippe trails. Take the Grubenweg trail past the “Nordhäuser Blick” viewpoint back to Zorge.
STAMP STATION 160
Helenenruh
Between Wieda and Zorge, on the Wiedaer Hüttenweg trail, you’ll find the Harzer Wandernadel stamp box right next to the Helenenruh shelter.
In the past, horse-drawn carts used this route through the Kastental Valley to transport the red iron ore mined in the region down to the blast furnaces in the valley. Operations at the Zorger Hütte were discontinued in the late 19th century because the wood-fired blast furnace was no longer profitable in that form.
Tip: Be sure to collect another stamp. Follow the Harzer Baudensteig trail to reach the “Pferdchen” (HWN 58) above Zorge.
STAMPING STATION 161
Stephanshütte
This cabin is dedicated to none other than the inventor of the “postcard”!
Heinrich von Stephan (1831–1897), Postmaster General of the German Empire and an avowed lover of the Harz Mountains, was responsible for numerous improvements in the national and international postal systems.
You won’t find a mailbox here, though. Instead, you can look forward to the green stamp box for the Harz Hiking Badge inside the Stephanshütte—yet another hiking adventure bringing you closer to the Kaiserkrone.
STAMP STATION 162
Kreuztal Cliff
A picture-perfect view! Start at the bus stop in Mittelwieda and hike along the marked trail to the Kreuztalsklippe.
Once you reach the top, simply let your gaze wander over Oberwieda, the Käseberg with its freestanding bell tower, the Knicking, and the Zachariaskopf. You’ll find the Harz Hiking Badge stamp box in the shelter.
Why is the rock so shiny? You’ll find the amusing explanation on the information sign. Here’s a hint: on their 30th birthday, it has always been the tradition for the local bachelors to swing the rag.
STAMPING STATION 163
View of the Summit from the Kaiserweg Trail
Once you reach the stamping station, the name will speak for itself.
From the stamp box, the full splendor of the Harz mountain panorama unfolds. The two highest mountains in the north rise majestically: the 971-meter-high Wurmberg and the 1,142-meter-high Brocken, whose buildings—such as the visitor center, the Brocken Hotel, and the large transmission tower—are easily recognizable even from a distance.
Tip: If the Brocken summit seems too close, that means there’s a good chance it will rain soon—a good reason to stop for a break.
SPECIAL POSTMARK OFFICE
Walkenried Monastery
At the Walkenried Monastery, you’ll find a red special stamp box for the Harz Hiking Badge.
As a memento of your visit to the monastery, please stamp one of the boxes at the back of the stamp booklet.
The former Cistercian monastery in Walkenried, with its imposing (remaining) walls, is now part of the Upper Harz Water Management System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tip: Allow plenty of time to immerse yourself in this important history at the museum and the UNESCO World Heritage Information Center.
Everything You Need for Your Stamp Hunt
All stamp books, guidebooks, pins, books, and hiking maps for the Harz Hiking Pin are available at our Tourist Information Office. Of course, we’re also happy to provide personalized hiking tips.
Hiking Trails for Stamp Collectors and Anyone Who Wants to Become One
Would you like to go on a stamp hunt during your vacation in Walkenried? Then take a look right away at our selection of routes to find the routes that include the stamp stations for the Harz Hiking Pin.
