Danger Zones in the Harz Mountains: Steer Clear of These Locations
Staying Cool in Harz During the Heat Wave: Seek Shade and Water
As a heat wave approaches, hikers and tourists in the Harz region may face challenges. To stay cool and safe, it's essential to seek out the coolest and shadiest spots.
The forested areas of Harz, with their dense woodland trails and waterfalls, offer refreshing and shaded environments ideal for avoiding heat. Forest roads "lost in the forest" and waterfalls in the Harz Mountains provide ample shade and cooler microclimates.
One such spot is the Europa Rosarium in Sangerhausen, with its large stands of old trees and shaded benches. It offers a pleasant stop during hot weather, with a cafe and gift shop providing comfortable respite in a shaded setting.
However, it's important to avoid open, sun-exposed hillsides and plateaus. The Brocken, a popular viewpoint in the Harz, can become uncomfortable in hot weather due to lack of shade. Even if you venture to sunny spots, make sure to take regular breaks in the shade and carry enough water.
The Königshütter Waterfall, while providing some cooling, has an unprotected surrounding area that heats up significantly. Open rock formations like the Devil's Wall in the Harz can also be uncomfortable in hot weather.
The Bodetal between Treseburg and Thale offers shady hiking trails along a cool river, while the Selketal provides fresh air with its wooded slopes and the Selke River. Other refreshing spots include the Steinerne Renne and the Radau Waterfall.
Swimming is possible at the high-altitude Oderteich, which is surrounded by shady forest sections. However, be aware that high temperatures in the Harz may exceed 30°C in many areas.
Ignoring the risks during the heat wave in the Harz could lead to inevitable consequences. At midday, the sun beats down on the Brocken's barren rock with few opportunities for retreat. The Love Bank Trail near Hahnenklee runs mostly in the sun, with few shady forest passages.
In summary, visiting forested parts of Harz and natural water sites during heat waves is ideal, while open, sunny areas without shade should be avoided to minimize heat risks. Stay safe and enjoy the cooler, shadier spots that the Harz has to offer!
| Coolest/Shadiest Spots | Areas to Avoid | |----------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Forest trails and roads in dense woodland | Open, sun-exposed hillsides and plateaus | | Waterfalls and streams in the Harz Mountains | Exposed recreational areas with little shade | | Europa Rosarium with old trees and shaded benches | Sun-exposed built-up or urbanized spots without shade | | Shady hiking trails along rivers (Bodetal, Selketal) | Large sun-exposed lakesides | | High-altitude Oderteich | Open hillsides without tree cover | | Steinerne Renne and Radau Waterfall | Sun-baked human-made structures lacking natural shade |
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