Six of the best autumn long walks in Europe
Harz Witch Trail, Lower Saxony, Germany
Why? Spooky ride amid atmospheric mountainsDistance 58 milesSuggested number of days five or six
As Halloween approaches, what better way to hike than a land of wicked witches and scary fairy tales? The Harz Mountains have long been associated with German folklore, and the area is extremely atmospheric in autumn, when smoke begins to billow from the chimneys of half-timbered houses, beech trees gleam amid evergreens, and seasonal mists seep into ravines.
The moderately difficult Harzer-Hexen-Stieg (Harz Witch Trail) runs along forest tracks through the Harz National Park and can be walked all the way throughout October and beyond. The Brocken, the highest point in the Harz, is not too high at 1,142 meters, and although snow can fall in late autumn, it is also amply suitable for winter hiking.
The route passes through forests, canyons, Germany's largest wooden church, a suspension bridge 439 meters, the magic of Bode Gorges and medieval villages Altenbrak and Treseburg. It also follows the poet Goethe's hiking route to the Brocken - with the option of descending by steam train. In the village of Schierke, the Pension Drei Elstern (doubles from €80 B&B) offers a comfortable stay. Another great stop is Bodetaler Basecamp Lodge (doubles from €120 B&B), an outdoors-focused hotel on the Bode River. Planning Walks Worldwide's seven-night self-guided trip down the Harz Witches' Trail costs from £620 pp. Independent travelers should visit en.harzinfo.de for route information.
Waldstätterweg, Lucerne, Switzerland
Why? Spooky ride amid atmospheric mountainsDistance 58 milesSuggested number of days five or six
As Halloween approaches, what better way to hike than a land of wicked witches and scary fairy tales? The Harz Mountains have long been associated with German folklore, and the area is extremely atmospheric in autumn, when smoke begins to billow from the chimneys of half-timbered houses, beech trees gleam amid evergreens, and seasonal mists seep into ravines.
The moderately difficult Harzer-Hexen-Stieg (Harz Witch Trail) runs along forest tracks through the Harz National Park and can be walked all the way throughout October and beyond. The Brocken, the highest point in the Harz, is not too high at 1,142 meters, and although snow can fall in late autumn, it is also amply suitable for winter hiking.
The route passes through forests, canyons, Germany's largest wooden church, a suspension bridge 439 meters, the magic of Bode Gorges and medieval villages Altenbrak and Treseburg. It also follows the poet Goethe's hiking route to the Brocken - with the option of descending by steam train. In the village of Schierke, the Pension Drei Elstern (doubles from €80 B&B) offers a comfortable stay. Another great stop is Bodetaler Basecamp Lodge (doubles from €120 B&B), an outdoors-focused hotel on the Bode River. Planning Walks Worldwide's seven-night self-guided trip down the Harz Witches' Trail costs from £620 pp. Independent travelers should visit en.harzinfo.de for route information.
Waldstätterweg, Lucerne, SwitzerlandWhat's Your Reaction?
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