Schielo is located in the Harz Nature Park, Saxony-Anhalt, and in the UNESCO Global Geopark Harz – Braunschweiger Land – Ostfalen. Exploring nature, hiking, and a specific biographical connection give the place its distinct character. The Eichberg Nature Trail invites you to explore the natural surroundings; “Hike 6” leads from Schielo to Wilhelmshof and through the Wernrod.
Explore nature and walk in Karl Blossfeldt’s footsteps
The Eichberg Nature Trail is a starting point for anyone who would like to get to know Schielo by exploring its natural surroundings. The hike offers a different focus: with Wilhelmshof as its destination and Wernrod as part of the route, “Hike 6” features named local landmarks. It follows in the footsteps of the photographic artist Karl Blossfeldt. This connection has a biographical background: Blossfeldt (1865–1932) was born in Schielo. The hike therefore focuses not only on the route, but also on the town’s connection with the photographer.
For planning your own visit, it is helpful to distinguish between the two starting points: the Eichberg Trail invites you to explore nature, while “Hike 6” has a named destination and a clearly described route. If you are looking for a hike with local points of interest, the route leads to Wilhelmshof and through Wernrod; if exploring nature is your priority, the Eichberg Trail is the right thematic starting point.
The village pond in Schielo offers a seasonal option: when winter conditions are suitable, it is used as an ice-skating area. So plan ice skating as an activity that depends on suitable winter conditions, and keep those conditions in mind when planning your visit.
More things to explore in the wider Harzgerode destination
In the wider Harzgerode destination, additional cultural and winter attractions offer further perspectives on the region. Harzgerode Castle was rebuilt between 1549 and 1552 and served from 1635 to 1709 as the residence of the Harzgerode branch of the princely House of Anhalt. As a Renaissance building, it is distinguished by a stair tower and a round tower. Its rebuilding in the 16th century and its later years as a residence represent two distinct chapters in its history.
St. Mary’s Church in Harzgerode is also part of this cultural and historical setting: it is a Baroque building dating from 1697 to 1699. At the Carlswerk in Mägdesprung, mechanical processing machines from the first half of the 20th century have been preserved in their original condition; there is also a wooden crane dating from 1890. Lockers, workbenches, and employees’ holiday postcards, together with the machines, illustrate the working culture of the early industrial era. Thus, Harzgerode’s attractions focus not only on architectural history, but also on objects and the world of work.
Another winter option in the wider Harzgerode destination is the natural toboggan run. It winds for 1,100 metres, with several bends, from the Harzgerode plateau down into the Selke Valley to the promenade in Alexisbad, descending around 75 metres in elevation. Tobogganing depends on there being enough snow; if there is too little, the route is also suitable for a winter hike. This alternative is therefore dependent on different conditions than the ice-skating area at the village pond in Schielo.
When choosing where to stay, it helps to distinguish between the different themes: focus your search on Schielo if exploring nature and the connection with Blossfeldt are your priorities. Harzgerode is a relevant destination in its own right if you would like to focus on the castle’s history or the natural toboggan run there.
Discover more destinations: Neudorf, Güntersberge, Siptenfelde, Alexisbad, Dankerode
Go to the wider travel overview: Harzgerode.
