Eckertalsperre: A Harz Mountain Jewel
Discover Eckertalsperre: A picturesque reservoir in the Harz Mountains offering hiking, history, and stunning views, perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Eckertalsperre, nestled in the scenic Harz Mountains, is a captivating reservoir offering a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Constructed between 1939 and 1943, it provides drinking water to the cities of Braunschweig, Wolfenbüttel, and Wolfsburg. The dam's construction also played a crucial role in flood control for the region. Surrounded by verdant forests and offering stunning views of the Brocken peak, Eckertalsperre is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The area boasts diverse trails catering to all skill levels, from leisurely strolls to challenging treks. The reservoir itself provides a tranquil setting for relaxation, picnicking, and enjoying the serene atmosphere. Its unique history as a former border between East and West Germany adds another layer of intrigue, making it a compelling destination for those seeking both natural beauty and a glimpse into the past. Whether you're drawn to its picturesque landscapes, historical importance, or recreational opportunities, Eckertalsperre promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Harz.
A brief summary to Eckertalsperre
- Unnamed Rd, Ilsenburg (Harz), 38871, DE
Local tips
- Arrive early to enjoy the serene atmosphere and stunning sunrise views over the water.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy by the water's edge; there are many scenic spots for a relaxing meal.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes if you plan to explore the trails around the reservoir.
- Check the local weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
- Consider visiting in the fall when the foliage creates a vibrant backdrop for your adventures.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Ilsenburg (Harz) Bahnhof, take bus line 250 towards Eckertalsperre. The bus ride takes approximately 15 minutes. Get off at the 'Abzweig Eckertalsperre' bus stop, from which it's a 10-minute walk to the dam. Bus services may be limited on weekends, so check the schedule in advance. A single bus fare costs approximately €2-€3.
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Driving
From the center of Ilsenburg, head northeast on B244 for about 4 km. Then, turn right onto Unnamed Rd, where you will find parking areas near the dam. Parking may incur a small fee of around €3-€5 for the day, so be prepared with some change.
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Walking
If you are already in close proximity to Eckertalsperre, you can hike or walk there. Starting from the Ilsenburg center, follow the marked walking paths that lead to the dam. The hike is roughly 3 km and takes about 45 minutes, offering scenic views of the surrounding Harz National Park. Ensure you have a map or a GPS-enabled device to navigate the trails.
Discover more about Eckertalsperre
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Luchsgehege - Beobachtungsplattform an der Rabenklippe
3.2 km
Observe reintroduced lynx in their natural habitat at the Luchsgehege near Rabenklippe, offering stunning views and hiking trails in the Harz National Park, a unique wildlife experience.
Nationalpark-Besucherzentrum TorfHaus
5.1 km
Discover the Harz National Park: Explore interactive exhibits, hike scenic trails, and immerse yourself in the wilderness from the TorfHaus Visitor Center, your gateway to adventure.
Brocken
5.3 km
Ascend to the legendary Brocken, the Harz Mountains' highest peak, and discover breathtaking views, captivating history, and enchanting folklore amidst a unique subalpine landscape.
Ilsestein
6.1 km
Discover the legendary Ilsestein in the Harz Mountains: Hike to the summit for breathtaking views, explore its rich history, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Ilse Valley.
Urwaldstieg
7.1 km
Discover the untouched beauty of the Harz National Park on the Urwaldstieg, a short trail through a centuries-old primeval forest near Brocken mountain.
Feigenbaumklippe
7.2 km
Discover panoramic views and geological wonders at the Feigenbaumklippe in Bad Harzburg, a captivating granite rock formation in the heart of the Harz Mountains.
Eckerlochstieg (Brücke über Schwarzes Schluftwasser)
7.5 km
Discover the enchanting Eckerlochstieg bridge in Harz National Park: a scenic gateway to breathtaking hikes, lush forests, and the majestic Brocken peak.
Wolfswarte
7.7 km
Discover panoramic views and a rich history at the Wolfswarte, a captivating quartzite rock formation in the heart of the Harz Mountains, perfect for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Verlobungsinsel in der Oker HWN 116
7.8 km
Discover the enchanting Verlobungsinsel in the Oker Valley, a romantic island escape surrounded by stunning natural beauty, perfect for hikers, nature lovers, and those seeking tranquility.
Eckerlochstieg
8.5 km
Experience the Harz National Park's rugged beauty on the Eckerlochstieg, a challenging hiking trail to the Brocken summit offering stunning views and diverse landscapes.
Märchenpfad "Das weiße Reh"
8.7 km
Hike through an enchanting fairytale in Harz National Park on the Märchenpfad Das weiße Reh, a 5km trail to Brocken's peak, perfect for families seeking adventure and folklore.
Alter Grenzweg
9.6 km
Hike a path through history on the Alter Grenzweg near Wernigerode, where the former East/West German border offers scenic trails and poignant reminders of a divided past.
Ottofelsen
10.4 km
Discover breathtaking views and thrilling climbs at Ottofelsen, a granite landmark in the heart of Germany's Harz Mountains, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
Oberer Bodewasserfall
10.5 km
Explore the breathtaking Oberer Bodewasserfall in Braunlage, a stunning natural waterfall that captivates with its serene beauty and outdoor adventures.
Wurmberg-Steinbruch (Vogelschutzgebiet)
10.6 km
Explore the breathtaking Wurmberg-Steinbruch, a birdwatching haven in Braunlage, filled with diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.
Unmissable attractions to see
Altes Gemäuer
1.5 km
Experience the rich history and stunning natural beauty at Altes Gemäuer, a must-visit tourist attraction in Ilsenburg, Harz.
Rudolfklippe
2.2 km
Explore Rudolfklippe in Bad Harzburg, a stunning rock formation with breathtaking views and rich history, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Winterbergklippe
2.3 km
Explore the breathtaking views and serene beauty of Winterbergklippe in Harz National Park, a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.
Radau Wasserfall
2.6 km
Experience the natural beauty of Radau Wasserfall in Bad Harzburg, a must-visit waterfall and hiking destination in the Harz Mountains.
Wildkatzen-Erlebnispfad
3.3 km
Explore the Wildkatzen-Erlebnispfad in Bad Harzburg for an unforgettable adventure into the world of wildcats and scenic nature trails.
Wurzelpfad Harz
3.4 km
Explore Wurzelpfad Harz, a stunning hiking trail in Bad Harzburg, perfect for families and nature lovers seeking adventure in Germany's picturesque Harz region.
Baumschwebebahn Bad Harzburg
3.4 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Harz National Park with a ride on the Baumschwebebahn Bad Harzburg, a thrilling aerial tramway experience.
Baumwipfelpfad Harz
3.4 km
Discover the enchanting treetop walkway of Baumwipfelpfad Harz, a scenic attraction that connects you with nature and offers stunning views.
Märchenwald
3.5 km
Experience the magic of Märchenwald, a captivating amusement park in Bad Harzburg, where fairy tales come to life amidst beautiful nature.
Burgberg Harzburg
3.6 km
Experience the breathtaking views and natural beauty of Burgberg Harzburg, a must-visit tourist attraction in Bad Harzburg offering adventure and tranquility.
Canossa Pillar
3.6 km
Explore the breathtaking Canossa Pillar in Bad Harzburg, a stunning monument offering hiking trails and panoramic views of the picturesque Harz Mountains.
House of nature
3.7 km
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Kreuz des deutschen Ostens HWN 122
4.0 km
Explore Kreuz des deutschen Ostens in Bad Harzburg - a scenic memorial blending history and nature in the heart of the Harz mountains.
Obere Ilsefälle
4.0 km
Explore the stunning waterfalls and lush landscapes of Obere Ilsefälle, a premier hiking destination in the Harz region, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Luchs Denkmal Torfhausmoor
4.6 km
Immerse yourself in nature at Luchs Denkmal Torfhausmoor, a tribute to the lynx in the stunning Harz National Park, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
Essential places to dine
Molkenhaus Bad Harzburg
1.7 km
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Radau-Waterfall
2.6 km
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Waldgasthaus Rabenklippe
3.2 km
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Bavaria Alm Torfhaus
5.1 km
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Touristensaal auf dem Brocken
5.2 km
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Waldgasthaus Plessenburg
6.2 km
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Nagelschmiede by Christian Meierding-Schmidt
6.8 km
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Klippen - Grill Inh. Matthias Biesel
10.0 km
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Café am Kurpark
10.1 km
Discover authentic German cuisine at Café am Kurpark in Wernigerode—your perfect spot for relaxation amidst beautiful park scenery.
Gasthaus Zur Klippe Schierke
10.5 km
Experience authentic German cuisine at Gasthaus Zur Klippe Schierke, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor amidst scenic beauty.
Hexenritt Schirmbar
10.5 km
Experience authentic Bavarian cuisine at Hexenritt Schirmbar – where nature meets tradition in Braunlage's beautiful landscape.
Hexenritt Alm
10.6 km
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Villa Bodeblick ǀ Hotel & Restaurant
10.6 km
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Montevino Vin'Osteria
10.7 km
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Restaurant Luis
10.9 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Harzturm GmbH
5.1 km
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Globetrotter Equipment GmbH
5.2 km
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Outdoor-Concepts.de - Outdoor und Survival
8.6 km
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Waldschwimmbad Okerteich
9.3 km
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Schierker Feuerstein Stammhaus
10.2 km
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Harzspots GmbH
10.7 km
Explore the Harz Mountains with Harzspots GmbH: Your premier tourist information center in Wernigerode, Germany.
Or Mark Fashion Outlet
12.3 km
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Harzer-Baumkuchen Baumkuchenhaus
12.3 km
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Wergona Chocolate GmbH
12.5 km
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Harz Tourism e. V.
12.7 km
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Harzer Spezialitäten & Brotzeitstube puppe‘s
12.7 km
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Ottos Sport & Tracht
12.7 km
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Harzsneaks
12.7 km
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Drei Annen Hohne
12.8 km
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Sühl´s Harzspezialitäten
12.9 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bier-Comptoir
4.2 km
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Worchs Terrasse
4.5 km
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Baude
4.7 km
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Blues Pub
4.8 km
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Wieder da
5.0 km
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Kleine Kneipe
5.8 km
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Dart Lounge An der Radau
7.3 km
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Kneipchen
7.3 km
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Pension Mühlhahn
9.8 km
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Altes Backhaus
10.1 km
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Waldgaststätte zur Kamelfichte
10.3 km
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Schirmbar Hexenritt
10.5 km
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Das Harzer Cocktail Taxi
11.2 km
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Bar Milano im San Siro
12.1 km
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Travellers Cafe Bar
12.2 km
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