Trautenstein: Stream Landscape and Church Art

Streams and Trails in the Dammbach Valley

The Dammbach and its tributaries are among the main tributaries of the Rappbode; at Trautenstein, the Dammbach flows into the Rappbode. The Dammbach Valley is part of the “Harzer Bachtäler” nature reserve. Five long wooden footbridges provide crossing points over the tributary streams, allowing hikers to cross them with dry feet. Together with the invitation to enjoy a short hike throughout the year, the streams shape the valley’s natural character.

Near the destination, Trageburg Rock lies about 2 km northeast of Trautenstein, on the right bank of the Rappbode pre-dam and on the Harzer Hexenstieg trail. From there, you can look across the Rappbode Valley to the left bank. Its approximate location and viewpoint offer another distinct perspective on the natural landscape.

An Altar-Shaped Baptismal Font

The baptismal font in St. Salvator’s Church in Trautenstein is a Neoclassical Harz iron casting from 1830, designed in the form of an ancient altar. It’s a striking detail for anyone interested in a place’s architecture and design as well as its hiking trails. The flowing waters of the Dammbach Valley and the baptismal font’s clean altar form thus represent two very different reasons to visit the destination.

Hiking and Charcoal Making in Oberharz am Brocken

In the wider destination of Oberharz am Brocken, you can compare two moderate hikes by distance and walking time. One 2.8 km route passes through mixed forest to the Krockstein viewpoint; the stated walking time is 55 minutes. The moderate circular trail around the Hasselvorsperre near Hasselfelde is 5.5 km long, with a stated walking time of 1 hour 28 minutes. The Hasselvorsperre loop is therefore longer and also has a longer stated walking time. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

In Hasselfelde, an extensive network of hiking trails includes the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg, nature trails, and the Köhlerweg. These trails provide access on foot to local sights and excursion destinations. From Hasselfelde, you can take the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway daily to the Brocken or the Selke Valley; check the current timetable before travelling.

At the Harzköhlerei Stemberghaus, traditional charcoal-burning mounds are built, fired, and harvested from early April to the end of October. This offers a chance to see the traditional charcoal-making craft in action. The charcoal-making museum gives an insight into the difficult working and living conditions of charcoal burners.

Culture and Landscape in Other Places in Oberharz am Brocken

In Stiege, the stave church is the only religious building in Germany in the Norwegian dragon style. The turning loop there belongs to the Selketalbahn and is described as Europe’s smallest turning loop. Stieger See lies in the heart of Stiege, surrounded by green meadows and forests. Routes listed for long-distance hikers in Stiege include the “Wege deutscher Kaiser und Könige” history trail, the Selketal-Stieg, and the VIA ROMEA pilgrimage route.

Hasselfelde’s cultural attractions cover a range of subjects: the Blumenau Museum in the Haus des Gastes presents the life and work of chemist and emigrant Hermann Blumenau through images and text. The local history museum in the same building tells the story of the town and the lives and work of its residents. St. Antonius Church in Hasselfelde is a three-aisled Gothic basilica.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Holiday Apartment

When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to decide what you want to focus on: should Trautenstein, with the Dammbach Valley and its church, shape your trip, or would you also like to include hiking, railway, and cultural attractions in the wider destination of Oberharz am Brocken? Choose your location based on the experiences you actually plan to enjoy.

Discover more destinations: Elbingerode, Benneckenstein, Neuwerk, Rübeland, Königshütte, Sorge, Hasselfelde, Stiege

See the overview of the wider destination: Oberharz Am Brocken.