Harz
The Harz Mountains are one of Germany’s most underrated road cycling destinations. In the heart of the country, they offer dense forests, quiet valleys and long, steady climbs. Roads are smooth, traffic is light, and the scenery keeps changing. The Harz is also known for its mystical legends and folklore, with the Brocken (the highest mountain in the region) famously linked to the witch’s sabbath known as the Hexentanz.
It's a place for riders who enjoy rhythm. The climbs are never extreme but they keep coming. The Brocken is the most famous ascent, but beyond it there are many other rewarding climbs that rarely get the same attention and are just as enjoyable to ride. You will find winding forest roads, open ridgelines and classic spa towns.
The towns and landscapes in the Harz feel calm and authentic. Historic towns like Wernigerode, Goslar and Bad Harzburg sit at the edge of the mountains with colorful old streets and quiet squares. Between them, you ride through deep forests, open meadows and rolling foothills that constantly shift between tight, shaded valleys and wide views across the region.
The cycling culture is relaxed and local. You will not see big crowds like in the Alps, but that is part of the charm. It feels authentic and still a bit undiscovered.
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Best time to ride
The best time to ride is from May till September when the weather is warmer and more predictable. In spring, the weather is cool and crisp, with quiet streets and green forests from April through June. Summer here is generally mild and pleasant, ideal for long days in the saddle.
Fall brings crisp air and beautiful colors in the trees, so September and October are worth a visit before winter settles in. During winter, there is often snow and wind at higher elevations, so it’s best to avoid the Harz Mountains at that time of year.
Where to stay
Base Towns
Bad Harzburg
A spa town at the edge of the Harz. Perfect for combining flatter warm up rides with deeper mountain routes. Easy access from larger cities.
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Accommodations (8)
Places in Harz that welcome you and your bike.
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How to get there
- By car: The Harz is located at the intersection of the German states of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. The low mountain range is easily accessible by car from all directions.
- By train: Cities like Wernigerode and Bad Harzburg are easily accessible by train via Hanover and Göttingen. Bringing bicycles on German regional trains is straightforward. For long-distance travel, you’ll need to reserve a spot for your bike.
- By plain: The closest major airport is Hannover Airport. From there, it is about 1 to 1.5 hours by car to reach the western Harz. If you choose public transport it would be about 2 to 2.5 hours
Bike Rentals (0)
Most riders bring their own bikes to the Harz, so road bike rentals are hard to come by. For a rental bike your best bet is picking one up in a larger city nearby.
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Shops (3)
Cafes & bars (14)
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Popular Climbs (8)
Road Cycling Routes (16)
Elbingerode loop
48.1 km | 571 m | Easy
Perfect short loop through forest road. It has one big hill climb from the start and a smaller one between Rubeland and Hüttenrode.
Loop to Stolberg Ramp
91.6 km | 1228 m | Moderate
On paper, this looks like a nice route through the heart of the Harz, but midway through the ride you’ll face a serious challenge. Just before Stolberg, you turn left to tackle the Stolberg ramp, a climb that stays above 10% for almost 1.5 kilometer.
Around Clausthal-Zellerfeld
77.5 km | 1237 m | Moderate
A tour through the western Harz region featuring the steep Steileberg Climb with gradients up to 15%, the mountain town of Clausthal-Zellerfeld, and the scenic Oker Valley. You can also ride this route in reverse if you're looking for a different elevation profile.
Loop du France
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Loop du France
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Loop du France
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Map of Harz - 36 pins
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