Motorcycle Tour in the Harz Mountains: Three Winding Routes Through Central Germany
The Harz region is made for us motorcyclists: mountainous, winding, and full of variety. Short distances between picturesque half-timbered towns, monumental dams, and breathtaking views make the Harz the perfect destination for your next motorcycle tour. In this article, we present three of the most beautiful routes through this central German mountain range.
Route 1: Northern Harz Classic – Oker Valley and Harz High Road
Goslar/Bad Harzburg – Oker Valley – Goslar (approx. 147 km)
Duration
½ day
Highest Point
approx. 815 m (Sonnenberg/Harz High Road)
Difficulty
Our first route offers an ideal beginner-friendly flow, making it perfect for riders new to the Harz region. Start in Goslar or Bad Harzburg and follow the Oker Valley up to Altenau. This narrow Harz motorcycle route winds along granite cliffs and a reservoir before connecting with the Harz High Road. Via Torfhaus, Oderteich, and Braunlage, the tour continues with smooth curves. A detour through the switchbacks to St. Andreasberg completes the ride before you roll back gently via Clausthal-Zellerfeld.
Highlights of the Northern Harz Classic Tour:
- Granite cliffs and reservoir in the Oker Valley
- Torfhaus plateau with a view of the Brocken
- Serpentine roads to St. Andreasberg
- Half-timbered charm and coffee stop in Goslar (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Route 2: Eastern Harz – Rappbode Dam, Bode Valley, and Brocken View
Wernigerode – Rappbode Dam – Thale/Hexentanzplatz – Quedlinburg (approx. 130 km)
Duration
½ day
Highest Point
approx. 550 m (Drei Annen Hohne)
Difficulty
Intermediate
This Harz motorcycle tour combines breathtaking views with historic half-timbered towns. The starting point is Wernigerode. From there, you ride through Drei Annen Hohne and Elend (which is better than its name suggests) to Tanne/Hasselfelde and the Rappbode Dam. The route continues to Lake Wendefurth and winds through the scenic Bode Valley to Thale. If you’re up for it, head up to the Hexentanzplatz – a popular motorcycle destination in the Harz. The tour winds down through Quedlinburg and the gentle foothills of the Harz, returning you to Wernigerode.
Highlights of the Eastern Harz Tour:
- Rappbode Dam (Titan RT suspension bridge)
- Bode Valley with Rosstrappe / Hexentanzplatz
- Wernigerode and Quedlinburg – ideal for short city strolls
- Photo stop at the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway (Brocken view)
Route 3: Kyffhäuser Loop – Southern Harz and Monument
Nordhausen – Kyffhäuser/Barbarossa Monument – Bad Frankenhausen – Karst Landscape (approx. 180 km)
Duration
1 day
Highest Point
477 m (Kulpenberg/Kyffhäuser)
Difficulty
Challenging
Starting from Nordhausen, the route leads you through the southern Harz to Stolberg, then continues with tight hairpin bends toward the Kyffhäuser massif. The famous Kyffhäuser motorcycle tour offers tightly packed switchbacks and stunning views of the Kelbra reservoir. At the top, the Barbarossa Monument and castle ruins await. The return journey takes you via Bad Frankenhausen – where history enthusiasts can visit the Panorama Museum – and through the undulating karst landscape. Finally, you cruise comfortably back through the Zorge/Ilfeld valley.
Highlights of the Kyffhäuser Loop:
- Kyffhäuser Monument and serpentines (former hill climb track)
- Kelbra Reservoir
- Panorama Museum Bad Frankenhausen
- Stolberg in the Harz (half-timbered houses, quiet old town)
Planning and Information for Motorcycle Tours in the Harz
Planning and Equipment for Your Motorcycle Tour in the Harz
When touring the Harz, plan daily stages of around 180 to 250 km. Numerous town crossings, photo stops, and tight curves reduce the average speed, so you’ll enjoy a more relaxed ride with moderate distances. Download offline maps to your GPS or smartphone before departure, as you may encounter spotty mobile reception in the Upper Harz region.
For BMW models in the GS, R, and F series, a sturdy navigation mount and a USB charging port are highly recommended. A small tank bag or compact rear bag is perfect for carrying your camera, snacks, and documents. Dry bags will keep your luggage protected from rain. For on-the-go maintenance, a small visor cleaner and microfiber cloth are sufficient to quickly remove insects and pollen. A kickstand plate will also prevent the motorcycle from sinking into hot asphalt or soft forest ground.
In our online shop, you’ll find:
Good to Know
- You cannot ride a motorcycle up to the Brocken. Access is possible via the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway from Drei Annen Hohne.
- The Harz High Road (B 242) runs through high-altitude areas. In wet conditions, shady sections often remain damp and slippery.
- In summer, temporary closures may occur around Sonnenberg and along the B 242. Check the current status before departure – for example on the BVDM website.
- The best travel time is from May to October. In higher elevations, it’s often 5–10 °C cooler, so layered clothing is recommended.
- Popular meeting points include Torfhaus, the Rappbode Dam, and the Oderteich reservoir.
Motorcycle Touring in the Harz – Something for Every Biker
One low mountain range – three distinct experiences: Our North Harz Classic Tour offers smooth riding fun and scenic views of the Brocken. The East Harz Tour combines dams, the Bodetal gorge, and UNESCO-listed half-timbered towns for an unforgettable day. The sporty Kyffhäuser Motorcycle Tour thrills with tight curves and historic highlights.
Whether you're looking for a relaxed cruising day or a more ambitious twisty adventure: Every motorcycle tour in the Harz is a varied and rewarding experience.
FAQ
Which motorcycle tour in the Harz is suitable for beginners?
Our Route 1 (North Harz Classic) offers wide sections, good visibility, and many opportunities to pull over – perfect for warming up.
How much time should I plan for an East Harz loop with Bodetal gorge?
A good estimate is about 130 km or ½ day. With relaxed stops at the reservoir, Hexentanzplatz, and in Quedlinburg, a full day is better.
Is the Kyffhäuser motorcycle tour really that demanding?
Yes – short, tight turns over 3.8 km require clean lines and riding reserves. It's more relaxed on weekdays than on weekends.
Where can I get good views of the Brocken during a motorcycle tour?
Excellent views are often found around Torfhaus and the Harz High Road, as well as at the Rappbode Dam viewpoints.