The Harzer Wandernadel – Stamping & Nature Experience

It is mentioned again and again and is omnipresent in almost every hiking report – the Harzer Wandernadel. But why should the hiker and nature lover decorate himself with an award, prove that he has been here and there?

Harzer Wandernadel – Without stamping it is not possible

All hiking trails in the Harz Mountains, whether short or long, steep or sloping, have stamps for the hiking pass, which you have to buy first (you will find information here). And, of course, everyone is pleased with the documentation and recognition of their achievements. The Harzer Wandernadel is intended to encourage locals and holidaymakers to hike through the entire Harz and to invite them to linger. At 222 places worth seeing the stamps are ready with which active hikers can distinguish themselves. Most of these points, which have been set up at shelters, geologically or historically interesting sites and viewpoints, are only accessible on foot.

If there are eight stamps in the pass, you get the highly coveted Harz hiking needle: first in Bronze, from 16 stamps in Silver and from 24 stamps in Gold. It has the shape of a coat of arms and is decorated with characteristic landscape motifs and, of course, the obligatory Harz witch.

With 50 stamps or more you will be appointed Wanderkönig or with all 222 even Wanderkaiser and get a needle with a semi-precious stone and a name on the official website – a charming idea for the ambitious hiker. Children can also become hiking princesses and hiking prince. Beside the hiking needle for the whole Harz there is also a Harzer Hexenstieg hiking needle, a needle for the Harzer Grenzweg and one for those who hike on the tracks of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Harzer hiking needle – the nature experience counts

Instead of striving for awards and the title of majesty, it is also important to focus on the essentials. And this is nature with all its diversity. Only chasing after the stamps of the Harzer Wandernadel can cloud the experience of the interesting landscape and cultural forms of the Harz. Hike through mountains and valleys, bubbling rivers, impressive dams and lakes rich in species as well as pass historical places and perhaps get a stamp and after some time a ornamental piece, by the way – this should be the destination of a Harz hike for locals and tourists. The Harz hiking needle is an incentive to discover new places in the Harz Mountains.

Stamps and badges are available on site

If you are standing at a stamp position and cannot find the stamp in your Stampbook, you have probably come across a Special stamp. In addition to the 222 stamp locations, there are also special stamp locations. These are set up for a limited period of time and can be entered under special cancellations.

The collection of stamps for the badges of the Harzer Wandernadel is not subject to any time limit. Well, don’t forget the stamp book on your next visit to the Harz. The hiking boots have proven to be a good place to store your hiking pass!

Stamping points of the Harzer Wandernadel

The official list of the 222 stamp sites of the Harz Hiking Needle of Harz Adventure Hiking. In the list you will also find the stamp locations in National Park Harz (NP). In the national park there are 28 stamp places to hike.

 

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