Thale: Trails, Legends and Culture

The Myths Trail and the history of the old town

The Thalenser Myths Trail is a themed walking route connecting the entrance to the Bodetal valley with the old town. Thirteen sculptures created by various artists line the trail. This makes the route an encounter with a range of artistic works: the sculptures share a common theme but were created by several artists. Those who want to explore Thale on foot will find a direct connection here to the town’s legendary themes.

Another perspective on history can be found at Wendhusen Abbey. It was founded in Wendhusen in 825; Wendhusen is now part of Thale’s old town. This links the historical site directly to a specific part of the present-day town. The Thale GDR Museum, by contrast, focuses on domestic and everyday culture in the GDR. Together, these destinations offer different themes for a stay: early abbey history on the one hand, and life and everyday culture in the GDR on the other.

Hiking trails and striking destinations

Two trails are especially well defined for hiking enthusiasts: the Teufelsmauer themed hiking trail runs through Thale and passes all the striking rock formations of the Teufelsmauer. Hikes into the Bodetal valley also start in Thale, as does the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg. This means you can choose a trip to Thale to suit different hiking interests without conflating the trails: one is specifically dedicated to the Teufelsmauer, while the others lead into the Bodetal valley or form part of the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg.

Rosstrappe and Hexentanzplatz also offer different destinations. The chairlift operated by Seilbahnen Thale Erlebniswelt takes visitors to the Rosstrappe rock massif; the cable car operated by the same attraction ascends to Hexentanzplatz. If you include these destinations in your travel plans, you can consider them as separate excursions and weigh them alongside the hiking trails when choosing the focus of your vacation.

Culture and outdoor activities as additional trip ideas

The Harzer Bergtheater, an open-air theater, is located at Hexentanzplatz. Its program includes mystical stories, legendary fairy tales, operettas, musicals, plays and concerts. The range therefore spans stories and fairy tales, music and theater. This offers a different way to experience Thale than on a hiking trail or at the rock massif.

Those interested in more recent everyday history can visit the Thale GDR Museum, which focuses on domestic and everyday culture. For a more athletic activity, there is the Bodetal Bike Park, with mountain bike downhill runs from Rosstrappe into the Bodetal valley. Riders race over rough terrain and take jumps at high speed. Theater, museums, hiking trails and the bike park cater to different interests; which of these you want to shape your stay can influence your choice of a holiday apartment in Thale.

Discover other places

For an overview of the local subdivisions of Thale, see the pages for Allrode, Altenbrak, Friedrichsbrunn, Neinstedt, Westerhausen, Treseburg, Weddersleben and Stecklenberg.

For the broader travel overview: Harz.