Hiking in the Harz: Discover the charming Oderteich in the sunshine!
Discover the picturesque Oderteich in the Harz: ideal for hiking, experiencing nature and excursions for the whole family on July 12th, 2025.

Hiking in the Harz: Discover the charming Oderteich in the sunshine!
In the heart of the Harz, the Oderteich is a popular excursion destination that invites you to go on a refreshing hiking adventure, especially on sunny days. The picturesque reservoir, which is located near Braunlage, has a lot to offer and is one of the oldest of its kind in Germany. The historical background of the Oderteich goes back to 1715, when it was created as part of mining operations. Until the end of the 19th century it was even the largest dam in Germany, which makes it a particularly historic place. As t-online.de reports, visitors can access the pond via a road from the parking lot, which is only an hour's drive from Braunschweig.
The charming circular hike around the Oderteich is around four to four and a half kilometers long and is suitable for the whole family. It usually lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours. Even though the path is easy and does not offer any significant inclines, visitors should keep in mind that it partly consists of narrow boardwalks and root paths. In such cases the route is less suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. According to the information from nationalpark-harz.de, visitors can marvel at the impressive fauna and flora of the area, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Special features of the Oderteich
The Oderteich is not only a relaxing local recreation destination, but also a place where nature can be experienced in all its glory. Hikers have the opportunity to observe the development of the forests, which are increasingly transforming into wilder forms such as mixed forests. The long-established spruces, some up to 300 years old, testify to nature's longevity. On the hikes you will also discover dead spruce trees, which create an exciting contrast to the surrounding green landscape.
However, nature lovers should be aware that the rules in the national park are strict: bathing areas can only be found on the east and west banks in summer, while boating and stand-up paddling are prohibited. Campfires or barbecues are also not permitted in the area throughout the year. But for most visitors, the focus is on relaxation and enjoying nature, and a visit to the Oderteich is exactly the right thing for that.
To make the hike even more special, you can get a hiking pass for the Harz, with which you can collect stamps at various stamp locations, including around the Oderteich. It's a wonderful way to capture your own hiking season and perhaps create some incentive for further adventures in the area. This makes the Oderteich the ideal destination for a successful trip into the countryside, as t-online.de underlines.