Urlaub in Bad Sachsa
Urlaub in Bad Sachsa

Schwiebachtal Nature Trail

Geological Hiking Trail in the Southern Harz Mountains near Bad Sachsa

The Schwiebachtal Nature Trail near Bad Sachsa is a high-altitude hiking trail offering beautiful panoramic views of the southern Harz landscape, stretching far into Thuringia and all the way to the Brocken. The trail is lined with interpretive signs explaining the region’s geological and ecological features. At 20 stations, you’ll learn interesting facts about agriculture, geology, and ecology in the picturesque Schwiebach Valley. Follow the trail markers, which will lead you back to the starting point.

Good to know
Facts about the Schwiebachtal nature trail
  • STARTING POINT : Bad Sachsa Train Station
  • WALKING TIME: 1 .5 hours
  • ROUTE 4 km
  • DIFFICULTY: Easy
  • NOTE: The trails are easy to walk on. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes.
  • COMBINATION OPTIONS Connection to the Kranichstein circular hike, to Sachsenstein, or to Bad Sachsa
A little preview
Interesting facts about copper slate
Copper shale can be found in several places in the valley. This rock layer is exposed along the nature trail. It was formed around 260 million years ago from the sediments of a tropical sea. The layer, which is approximately 40 cm thick, took over 50,000 years to form.
Copper shale is rich in metals such as copper, lead, zinc and silver. In some places, it also contains fossils, particularly fish. The ‘Mansfeld herring’, Palaeoniscus freieslebeni, is particularly well known; you can see it at the NatUrzeitMuseum Bad Sachsa.
Further information on its formation, fossils and mining can be found on the information board on site.
  • Restaurants for Day Trips

After an active day in nature, stop by one of the many diverse restaurants in the Harz Mountains.

Familie im NatUrzeitmuseum
Great Places to Visit in and Around Bad Sachsa

There is plenty to discover in the Southern Harz region: mines, caves, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, museums, industrial monuments, and much more are waiting for you.

Urlaub in Bad Sachsa
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