latest checkpoints :
October 20 2023 : Mandolinenhütte (142)
August 20 2023 : Maaßener Gaipel (107)
August 18 2023 : Förster-Ludwig-Platz (133) , Kleine Oker (149)
August 17 2023 : Liebesbankweg (additional stamp) , Liebesbank (112)
Harz Hiking Badge - what is it about ?
The “Harz Hiking Badge” is a system of checkpoints that guide you to attractive destinations across a region within three states and five administrative districts in the Harz Mountains .
The Harz Mountains - how it all started ...
The idea was born in April 2020 when we all were dealing with the Covid pandemic, restrictions and lockdowns. Tbh we were pretty lucky here in Germany compared to other countries as we still could do almost everything apart from mass gatherings and big events - unfortunately pubs and restaurants were closed which probably was the hardest cut. Starting from a certain moment we needed to wear face protecting masks and social distancing seemed to be the most important thing in what felt like a new life. It was mair than crystal clear that we would leave Germany for holidays not till the end of the pandemic - just to avoid a home quarantine and to make sure not losing our jobs for several reasons, not mentioning our health itself.
As we are both into hiking, nature and sightseeing (especially castles, ruins, gardens and historical places) it was not surprising that at the end of the day a decision pro hiking was made. We both do love the seaside as well, but with all the people not able to fly out far destinations, we thought it is a guid choice to go for some challenging activity in the mountains.
The Challenge - how it all works !
The “Harz Hiking Badge” is a system of checkpoints that guide you to attractive destinations across a region within three states and five administrative districts. Contained in the hiking passbook there are all 222 stamp points which are spread along 8k kilometers of marked hiking trails in the Harz Mountains . The hiking achievements are rewarded with badges at different levels . Owing to its size, the network of stamp points in the Harz Mountains is unique in all of Germany. You can collect the Harz Hiking Badge in bronze, silver and gold, or be awarded the nobility of Hiking King / Queen, Mining Foreman and finally Hiking Emperor / Empress. The number of stamps presented by hikers in the hiking passbook is critical for the assessment. Those who have hiked all 222 checkpoints / stamp points are deservedly called “Harz Hiking Emperor / Empress". In addition there are special themed hiking badges that may be earned.
