Wildlife observation, plant identification
Whether witches actually live in the mystical forests is not proven, rare wild animals certainly exist. For example Lynxes and wildcats, but these are shy and rarely cross the trail. They can be observed in special enclosures, just like the capercaillie, which no longer occurs in the free Harz wilderness. Animal enclosures such as the Wildpark Christianental and the Auerhuhn-Gehege at Lonau are therefore popular destinations with children of all ages. Other animals such as squirrels, peregrine falcons, herons and deer can be found in their natural habitats.
The flora of the Harz region is no less interesting. Between the high trunks of conifers, under crippled spruces, in mixed forests as well as on meadows and in moors fascinating plants are native. Around August flesh-eating plants bloom in the Torfhausmoor and in the Brockenengarten, alpine flowers can be admired. Wild strawberries, blueberries and raspberries tempt you to snack, but mushrooms should only be collected by connoisseurs. Children are often amazed when they discover a real fly agaric. The many herbs and wild flowers along the way can be identified with a suitable book or app. This makes the hiking tour even more entertaining. If the children are bigger, a hike on the devil wall near Blankenburg is a highlight. The Devil’s Wall consists of rugged rocks and offers a wonderful view of Blankenburg Castle and the Harz Mountains.
survey among users on www.harz-abenteuer-wandern.de.
Hiking tours for the whole family
Hiking in the Harz Mountains can, but does not have to, take place on wide or even paved roads. Especially for little adventurers the natural paths are usually more interesting. These lead to all altitudes, are designed as circular paths, short distances or long-distance hiking trails and are connected to the region’s branched network of hiking trails. From this, parents can put together suitable hiking tours with children and, for example, to karst caves, through the Selketal, to the Hexentanzplatz and up to the Brocken .
For hiking with small children, paths that are suitable for prams are better. From Bad Harzburg it is very easy to hikes with children. You can make a hike to the Lynxes at the Raven Cliffs with children and prams and shorten the trip at any time and use the bus back to the valley during the summer months. From a certain age the little ones can also be placed in an all-terrain handcart. Sporty hikers also take their offspring to the Harzberge in the children’s carrier. In addition, long tours can be shortened with cable cars or the Harzer Schmalspurbahn. Family hotels in the Harz Mountains offer childcare so that parents of small children can go on challenging hikes.
Holidays with children in the Harz Mountains – the ride with the Brockenbahn is an unforgettable experienceHoliday in the Harz with children
Whether a longer break or a short holiday and hiking with children in the Harz is planned, the suitable accommodation contributes to the pleasant stay. The choice ranges from a family hotel to a holiday apartment to a hut in a holiday village. Families who live in a holiday home in the Harz mountains can plan their time individually and meet the needs of all family members. In addition, the experience of nature usually begins right on your doorstep, and there are often hiking trails nearby. It is irrelevant whether the Southern Harz, the Upper Harz or the National Park Harz is chosen, because basically all Harz regions are suitable for the family holidays.
Hiking holiday with children – experiencing the Harz
In addition to the wanderings there are numerous other activities in the Harz Mountains with children. On hot summer days, a visit to the Walddschwimmbad Hahnenklee, which is located at the Kuttelbacher Teich, is recommended. The youngest come on the Märchenweg at Torfhaus at their own expense and several summer toboggan runs in the region invite you to take part in rapid descents. Interesting for film fans, some scenes from “Otto und die 7 Zwerge” were shot on the fairytale trail. In winter, tobogganing takes place on the snow-covered slopes and dropstone caves and the caves in Rübeland can be visited all year round. The list of possible excursion destinations is almost inexhaustible.
Worthwhile excursions with children
With the following excursion destinations, a holiday with children in the Harz becomes an unforgettable experience:
– Hiking on the Devil’s Wall
– Rappbodetalsperre suspension bridge
– Swimming pools and bathing lakes in the Harz
– Lynx feeding – Event calendar
– Mine visit
– The Battlefield of the Romans
– Fortress Regenstein
– Sandstone Caves
– Ride with the Harzer Schmalspurbahn
– Caves in the Harz
– Christiantal Game Park near Wernigerode – Google Maps
– Dandelion Explorer Path – Google Maps
– Nature myth path – Anfahrt
– Tree top path – Google Maps/Web page
– Aviation Museum Wernigerode – Google Maps/Website
– Summer toboggan run Bocksberg – Google Maps/Webpage
– IN WINTER: Rodel tracks in the Harz
Collect stamps when hiking with children
A stamp book of the Harzer Wandernadel often awakens the ambition of young hiking enthusiasts. Finally, with enough stamps, they can become hiking princess and hiking prince or evenhiking emperor. Many stamping places are located at exciting natural sites such as the sand caves below the castle ruins of Regenstein or the Dreibrodesteine at St. Andreasberg. Other stamp boxes are placed near monasteries or castles, others are found at the trenches of the Oberharzer Wasserregales. In any case, the stamp hunt leads to interesting places. A further incentive for excursions through nature is the discovery booklet of the national park, which is both a participatory booklet and a travel guide suitable for children.
The Harzregion is a worthwhile destination for families who enjoy hiking. Many hiking trails are suitable for small and large feet and lead to family-friendly excursion destinations. Exciting nature experiences are included. Ideal prerequisite for a short holiday with children in the Harz Mountains.
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