The first stage of the Harzer Försterstieg (Harz Forester’s Trail) starts in the historic imperial town of Goslar. Past the Imperial Palace and picturesque half-timbered houses, the route follows a small, almost forgotten forest path to the Frankenberger Teich pond – an idyllic introduction to the nature of the Harz.
After that the trail first climbs steeply, but the effort is worth it: at the top a wonderful view opens up over Goslar and far beyond to the Grane reservoir. You reach it after a walk across the dam wall and a short section on a paved path. Along the way there are small highlights such as a hut that has been inhabited by hornets for years, before the trail climbs again towards Wolfshagen.
If you would like to take a break, Wolfshagen offers refreshing options: a Kneipp water-treading pool right by the trail or the local open-air pool invite you to cool off. From there the route continues along forest paths and up a short, steep climb to a popular place to spend the night: the Campingplatz am Krähenberg campsite. Alternatively, the stage can be extended to the Lageswarte, which tempts with a magnificent view and photo opportunities but offers no official place to stay overnight.
Along the way various shelters invite you to rest, and if you like you can make a detour to the campsite at the Innerste reservoir. Sights such as the diabase quarry, the Schäder pavilion and the picturesque landscape around the Schäder spring make this stage varied and particularly close to nature.
Depending on your plan, the stage ends either in Wolfshagen, at the Lageswarte or at the Innerste reservoir, and thus offers flexible ways to shape the hike individually and to match it to your own fitness or accommodation preferences.
