Routes

Riding the Harz

The highest mountain range in northern Germany. Winding mountain roads, history and unforgettable evenings. The Harz — Germany's finest motorcycle destination.

4
Riding Days
6
Routes
36
Hairpin Bends
1141
Meters Altitude
Explore the Routes Sights
  The Harz in Numbers
3
Routes
·
36
Hairpin Bends
·
577
Kilometers
·
1141
Meters Altitude
From Hotel Iris Herzberg — your base in the heart of the Harz
From Hotel Iris · Herzberg

3 Days of Riding

Three carefully crafted day routes from Hotel Iris. From relaxed panoramic rides to sporty hairpin bends — click on a route for the full day plan.

Brocken Harz
Day 1

Great West Harz Loop — Panorama & Hairpin Bends

220 km · 5 hrs riding · Classic

08:00
Breakfast at Hotel Iris & departure

Emile & Rita prepare a hearty breakfast. Depart towards Osterode.

09:30
Bad Grund — First stop

Charming spa town with beautiful half-timbered houses. Coffee on the Marktplatz.

10:30
Clausthal-Zellerfeld

Mountain town with a unique wooden church (Marktkirche). Free to visit.

11:30
Torfhaus — Highest point

At 800 m altitude, views of the Brocken. Coffee at the Torfhaus restaurant.

12:30
Goslar — UNESCO City

Medieval city with the Kaiserpfalz. Allow 1.5 hours if you go inside. Lunch on the Marktplatz.

14:30
Bad Harzburg

Elegant spa resort. Cable car to the Burgberg (optional).

15:30
Braunlage — Hairpin bends

Via the B27 to Braunlage — winding mountain road through the forest.

16:30
St. Andreasberg

Hairpin bends into the village. Spectacular views.

18:00
Return to Hotel Iris

Via Herzberg back to the hotel. Shower, park the bike.

19:30
Dinner at Hotel Iris or in Herzberg
Option A: Hotel Iris — grill evening at the kamado, outside by the fire (reserve in advance)
Option B: Herzberg am Harz — Schlossrestaurant, dinner with views of the Welfenschloss
Option C: Osterode — Ratsklause, local cuisine in a historic building
Route

Hotel Iris → Osterode → Bad Grund → Clausthal-Zellerfeld → Torfhaus → Altenau → Okertal → Goslar → Bad Harzburg → Braunlage → St. Andreasberg → Hotel Iris

Enter in GPS
  1. Hotel Iris — An der Sieber 102b, 37412 Herzberg
  2. Bad Grund — Marktplatz, 37539 Bad Grund
  3. Clausthal-Zellerfeld — Marktkirche, 38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld
  4. Torfhaus — B4, 38667 Torfhaus
  5. Goslar — Marktplatz 1, 38640 Goslar
  6. Bad Harzburg — Herzog-Wilhelm-Str. 86, 38667 Bad Harzburg
  7. Braunlage — Hindenburgstr. 1, 38700 Braunlage
  8. St. Andreasberg — Rehberger Str., 37444 St. Andreasberg
  9. Hotel Iris — An der Sieber 102b, 37412 Herzberg
Distance

~220 km · 5 hrs riding (excl. stops). Allow at least 8 hours for the full day including Goslar and Bad Harzburg.

Shorter alternative

Take the Selke Valley Loop (~130 km) — quieter, less traffic, lots of nature along the Selke river.

Selke Valley waypoints
  1. Hotel Iris — An der Sieber 102b, 37412 Herzberg
  2. Osterode — Kornmarkt 1, 37520 Osterode am Harz
  3. Harzgerode — Markt 1, 06493 Harzgerode
  4. Alexisbad — Selketal, 06493 Harzgerode
  5. Quedlinburg — Markt 1, 06484 Quedlinburg
  6. Hotel Iris — An der Sieber 102b, 37412 Herzberg
Tips
  • Torfhaus: park on the left of the B4, coffee at the Torfhaus restaurant
  • Goslar Kaiserpfalz: allow 1.5 hours if you go inside
  • Clausthal: the wooden church is free to visit
  • Day 1 = quiet roads, enjoy it!
From Hotel Iris · Herzberg

The Best Motorcycle Routes

Three carefully selected routes for three days of riding pleasure. From relaxed panoramic rides to sporty hairpin bends — the Harz has it all.

Westharz motorroute
Route 01 · Day 1

Great West Harz Loop

From Hotel Iris via Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Goslar, Bad Harzburg and Braunlage. Panoramic roads, hairpin bends and the finest mountain towns of the West Harz.

220 km
Full day
815 m
Intermediate
  • Oker Valley – granite rocks and reservoir
  • Torfhaus – panoramic view of the Brocken
  • Hairpin bends to St. Andreasberg
  • Goslar – UNESCO World Heritage half-timbered city
Oost-Harz Bodedal
Route 02 · Day 2

Central Harz & Brocken

From Hotel Iris via the Brocken, Germany's highest dam and the spectacular Bode Valley to the Hexentanzplatz. A spectacular day of culture and nature.

184 km
Full day
1141 m
Intermediate
  • Rappbode Dam + Titan RT suspension bridge
  • Bode Valley – impressive gorge in northern Germany
  • Hexentanzplatz – popular biker viewpoint above the valley
  • Quedlinburg – UNESCO half-timbered city
Kyffhäuser Loop
Route 03 · Day 3

East Harz & Kyffhäuser

From Hotel Iris via Quedlinburg, the Selke Valley and the famous Kyffhäuser mountain road with 36 hairpin bends. The riding highlight of the Harz.

173 km
Full day
477 m
Challenging
  • B85 Kyffhäuser road – 36 bends in 2nd gear
  • Barbarossa monument & castle ruins
  • Biker Oase Café 36 – meeting point in Kelbra
  • Stolberg – the pearl of the southern Harz

Your Base Camp

Hotel Iris — Coming Home in the Harz

Emile & Rita welcome you like a friend coming to visit. No anonymous hotel — a place where the fire burns, the kamado smokes and the Harz routes are just around the corner. The two spacious apartments are ideal for motorcyclists who want more space than a hotel room.

★ Spacious Apartments — Two apartments of 75 m² for up to 4 people. Own kitchen, 2 bathrooms, balcony or terrace. Ideal for motorcyclists who want more space than a hotel room.

  • 🏠 Spacious Apartments
  • 🔥 Campfire
  • 🏍️ Motorcycle garage
  • 🧺 Drying room
  • 🗺️ Hotel Rooms
  • 🍳 Finnish sauna
  • 🇳🇱 14 double rooms and 2 single rooms, each uniquely decorated
Two apartments of 75 m² for up to 4 people — v.a. €135 p.p.
Book Direct at Hotel Iris
Emile aan de kamado — grillavond bij Hotel Iris Herzberg
 Emile & Rita — Harz Hotel Iris, Herzberg-Sieber
2Spacious Apartments
14Hotel Rooms
75m²75m²
Our Own Experience

Not to Be Missed

Ten attractions we visited ourselves — from impressive history to surprising discoveries you won't find in any travel guide.

Brocken observation tower Harz
MUST SEE 1,141 m altitude

Brocken — New Observation Tower

The new observation tower on the Brocken offers a 360° panorama over the Harz. Paid entry. The slide down is more of an adventure for adults than children. Accessible by motorcycle via the Brockenstraße.

📍 Brockenstraße, 38879 Schierke 💶 €8 p.p. ⏱️ 1-2 hrs
KZ Mittelbau-Dora tunnels Nordhausen
ESSENTIAL Nordhausen · 10 min

KZ Mittelbau-Dora — V2 Tunnel Tour

One of Germany's most powerful memorial sites. The V2 rocket tunnels are almost unchanged. The guided tour leaves a deep impression — essential for anyone riding through this region.

📍 Kohnsteinweg 20, 99734 Nordhausen 💶 Free ⏱️ 2-3 hrs
Hexentanzplatz Thale Harz
RECOMMENDED Thale · Bode Valley

Hexentanzplatz — View over the Bode Valley

Busy but spectacular. The view over the Bode Valley is impressive. Great with children — there's a cable car, adventure park and animal enclosure. As a biker, just ride up via the Roßtrappe.

📍 Hexentanzplatz, 06502 Thale 💶 Free entry ⏱️ 1-2 hrs
Goslar Marktplatz UNESCO
MUST SEE UNESCO World Heritage

Goslar — Medieval Half-Timbered City

Goslar is one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities. The Kaiserpfalz, the market square and the half-timbered houses are impressive. Allow 1.5 hours. Lunch on the market square.

📍 Marktplatz 1, 38640 Goslar 💶 Free ⏱️ 1.5-2 hrs
Quedlinburg UNESCO half-timbered city
MUST SEE UNESCO World Heritage

Quedlinburg — Collegiate Church & Old Town

More than 1,300 half-timbered houses in one city — Quedlinburg is a living open-air museum. The collegiate church on the Schlossberg offers a beautiful view. Park outside the old town and walk into the centre.

📍 Markt 1, 06484 Quedlinburg 💶 Free ⏱️ 1-2 hrs
Schloss Wernigerode at sunset
RECOMMENDED Wernigerode

Wernigerode — Castle & Old Town

The fairy-tale castle of the Harz. Wernigerode also has a beautiful old town with colourful half-timbered houses. Combine the castle with a walk through the centre. Note: the castle road is partially closed on weekdays.

📍 Schlossstr. 30, 38855 Wernigerode 💶 €10 p.p. ⏱️ 2-3 hrs
Rappbode reservoir Harz
ROUTE 2 Upper Harz

Rappbode Dam — Germany's Highest Dam

The Rappbode dam is Germany's highest. Combine with the Titan RT suspension bridge — 483 metres long, 100 metres above the water. Impressive views. Park at the visitor centre.

📍 Seestr. 1, 38899 Hasselfelde 💶 Free / €8 Titan RT ⏱️ 1-2 hrs
Kyffhäuser Monument Barbarossa
ROUTE 3 Kyffhäuser

Kyffhäuser Monument & Barbarossa Castle

The Kyffhäuser monument stands above the ruins of the medieval Barbarossa castle. The highlight for bikers is the B85 Kyffhäuser road — 36 hairpin bends in a row. Just below lies Biker Oase Café 36.

📍 Kyffhäuserstr., 06567 Kelbra 💶 €8 p.p. ⏱️ 1-1.5 hrs
Aviation Museum Wernigerode
HIDDEN GEM Wernigerode

Aviation Museum Wernigerode

Not on the standard tourist list — but absolutely worth a visit. A surprisingly large museum with historic aircraft, from early aviation pioneers to the GDR era. Ideal when it rains or when you want a break from riding.

📍 Luftfahrtmuseum, 38855 Wernigerode 💶 €8 p.p. ⏱️ 1.5-2 hrs
Titan RT suspension bridge Rappbode
ADRENALINE Upper Harz

Titan RT — Germany's Longest Suspension Bridge

483 metres long, 100 metres above the reservoir — the Titan RT is Germany's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. The feeling when the bridge starts to sway is unforgettable. Combine with the GigaSwing for extra thrills.

📍 Rappbodetalsperre, 38899 Hasselfelde 💶 €8 p.p. ⏱️ 1 hr
Food & Drink

Lunch Stops & Biker Hangouts

The Harz has plenty of good places to eat — but you need to know where to find them. These are the places we know personally or that are strongly recommended by motorcyclists. Perfect for when you get hungry on the road.

⭐ PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION
🍴

Gaststätte Dachstübchen — Herzberg/Sieber

The family restaurant just around the corner from Hotel Iris — and that's no coincidence. Rustic, cosy, always full. The kitchen is small but what comes to the table is outstanding. Harz dishes, honest food, genuine hospitality. This is where the locals eat — and where you'll want to be too.

📞 Always full — Rita is happy to reserve for you! Just ask on arrival.

📍 Wellbeek 1, 37412 Herzberg/Sieber 📞 0 55 85 / 259 💰 Affordable
☕
ROUTE 1 & 2 · COFFEE & SNACK

Bavaria Alm — Torfhaus

The classic biker meeting point of the Harz. Parking lot fills up with motorcycles on weekends. Coffee, sausages, hot meals. Views of the Brocken on clear days. Always a chat with fellow riders.

📍 Torfhaus 10, 38667 Altenau
🕐 Mon–Sun open • 💰 Budget
🍽️
ROUTE 1 · LUNCH

Harz-Heimat — Braunlage

Cosy bistro in the centre of Braunlage. Famous currywurst, good salads and Harz specialities. Popular with bikers, quick service. No reservation needed for lunch.

📍 Marktstraße 1, 38700 Braunlage
🕐 Open daily • 💰 Affordable
⭐
ROUTE 1 · HIDDEN GEM

Restaurant Rathaus — Wildemann

#1 restaurant in the Harz on TripAdvisor (4.6 — 103 reviews). Located in the picturesque mining village of Wildemann. Fresh, regional cuisine. The owner goes the extra mile for guests. Absolutely worth a stop if you pass through.

📍 Bohlweg 37, 38709 Wildemann
🕐 Closed Mon/Tue • 💰 Mid-range
🍺
ROUTE 1 · GOSLAR · LUNCH/DINNER

Paulaner Wirtshaus — Goslar

Relaxed Bavarian pub on the edge of Goslar's Altstadt. Good Bavarian food, large terrace, great beer. Ideal after a stroll through the UNESCO centre. Popular — arrive early or book ahead.

📍 Gemeindehof 3-6, 38640 Goslar
🕐 Open daily • 💰 Mid-range
⛺
ROUTE 2 · THALE · LUNCH

Berghotel Hexentanzplatz — Thale

On top of the Hexentanzplatz — views over the Bode Valley while you eat. Good schnitzel and seasonal dishes. Handy if you take the cable car up anyway. Terrace with panoramic views.

📍 Hexentanzplatz 1, 06502 Thale
🕐 Open daily • 💰 Mid-range
🏕️
ROUTE 3 · KYFFHÄUSER · BIKER STOP

Biker Oase Café 36 — Kelbra

Legendary biker meeting point at the foot of the Kyffhäuser — right after the 36 hairpin bends. Warm welcome, good coffee and hearty meals. Bikers from all over Germany gather here. 4.8 stars on TripAdvisor.

📍 Forsthaus Rothenburg 2, 06537 Kelbra
🕐 Open until 16:00 • 💰 Budget
🔥
ROUTE 1 · ALTENAU · GRILL

Klippen-Grill — Altenau

Steakhouse and grill in the heart of Altenau. Fresh produce, real chef in the kitchen. 4.4 stars on TripAdvisor (118 reviews). Ideal after a ride through the Western Harz. Large terrace.

📍 Breite Str. 27, 38707 Altenau
🕐 Open daily • 💰 Mid-range
🥔
ROUTE 2 · WERNIGERODE · LUNCH

Altwernigeröder Kartoffelhaus

Potato dishes in every variation — sounds simple, tastes amazing. Most popular restaurant in Wernigerode (524 reviews, 4.0 stars). Cosy interior, large portions, great value. Book ahead for dinner.

📍 Marktstraße 14, 38855 Wernigerode
🕐 Open daily • 💰 Affordable

💡 Tip: Many restaurants in the Harz are closed on Mondays and/or Tuesdays. Always check opening times in advance — especially outside peak season. Google Maps works well if you want to find something quickly on the road.

Practical

Tips for the Road

Everything you need to know for a carefree motorcycle ride through the Harz.

The Harz
The Harz
Every bend a surprise

Best Time to Visit

May through October is ideal. Higher areas are 5–10°C cooler than the valleys. Expect rain showers, especially in spring.

Road Conditions

Roads are generally excellent. Note: the Harz Hochstrasse (B242) stays wet and slippery in shaded sections for a long time. Ride carefully after rain.

Crowds & Police

Easter, Whitsun and weekends are very busy. Weekday riding offers the best experience. Note: regular speed checks by police.

The Brocken

You cannot ride a motorcycle up the Brocken (1,141 m). Go on foot or take the historic steam railway (Harzer Schmalspurbahn) from Drei Annen Hohne.

Navigation

Download offline maps for your GPS or smartphone. Mobile coverage can be poor in the higher parts of the Harz. Make sure you have a good mount.

Meeting Points

Popular stops: Torfhaus, Rappbode reservoir, Oderteich and Biker Oase Café 36 in Kelbra. You'll always find fellow riders here.

Clothing

Ride in layers. On the Brocken and Harz Hochstrasse it can be very cold, even in summer. A windproof mid-layer is strongly recommended.

Fuel

Petrol stations are easy to find in larger towns like Goslar, Wernigerode and Nordhausen. They are scarcer in higher areas — fill up in time.