Discover the magic of the Bodetal Valley and magical Hexentanzplatz

Join a bunch of like-minded hikers and join this legendary trail that takes you straight into the heart of the Harz Mountains. Taking the direct Harz Express train from Berlin, the hike climbs the picturesque town of Thale up to the famous Hexentanzplatz (the "Witches' Dance Floor"). Perched on a dramatic rocky plateau about 454 meters above sea level, this route treats you to some of the most striking gorge scenery in northern Europe. As you leave the town behind, you'll walk alongside the rushing waters of the Bode River before beginning your ascent into the deep, rugged granite ravines of the Bodetal nature reserve.

The terrain offers an immersive and moderately challenging trek, winding upward through dense, ancient forests of beech and oak. The paths are well-established but can become uneven and rocky, rewarding your physical effort with stunning lookout points along the way. From these clearings, you'll get breathtaking panoramic views of the sheer cliff faces, the green thickets blanketing the valley floor, and the imposing Rosstrappe cliff rising directly across the gorge.

Beyond the natural beauty, this hike is steeped in German folklore and cultural history. The Hexentanzplatz itself is famously known as an old Saxon cult site and the legendary gathering place for witches on Walpurgis Night (the eve of May 1st), a tradition that heavily inspired Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s masterpiece, Faust. Once you reach the top, the mystical atmosphere is brought to life by iconic metal sculptures of witches and devils, the historic Walpurgis Hall museum, and an open-air mountain theater, making the summit just as captivating as the journey up. After the hike, take the cable car down to the valley below, and enjoy a wonderful setting of the entire Harz setting.

The hike will be lead by two experienced community guides, Raf and Lonely Planet author Daniel Cole.

What is the plan?

06:30 AM: Depart from Berlin Lichtenberg (Main meeting point)

06:45 AM: Depart from Berlin Gesundbrunnen (secondary boarding)

10:40 AM: Arrival in Thale

11:00 AM: Begin hike

03:30 PM: Conclude hike

04:30 PM: Downtime / Relaxation

05:00 PM: Depart for Berlin by train

Hike Details

Duration: 3 hours and 26 minutes

Distance: 10.4 km

Elevation Gain: 310 m

Difficulty: Intermediate (requires a good level of fitness)

About the Organizer

Since 2023, Rafael Motafer - known as 'Raf' - has led expat-focused nature excursions and getaways across Berlin and Dresden, balancing this passion with a career in digital marketing. He's organized more than 150 tours for over 2,500 participants, averaging three excursions a month across destinations like the Harz Mountains, Saxon Switzerland, Bohemian Switzerland, the Spreewald, and weekend trips to the Black Forest, France, Monaco, and the Czech Republic.

Raf's track record of strong traveler reviews began during a prior role at a travel agency and has continued since launching his own venture in 2024. This project was even approved and awarded excellent grades as a case study for his master's thesis at HTW Dresden, focused on eco-tourism and social media marketing strategy, reflecting the strategic thinking behind his community-driven approach.

Trips are announced via Facebook groups like Berlin Expats and International Friends – Dresden, with sign-up through Eventbrite. Once registered, participants join a private WhatsApp group for their trip. For expats new and old, Raf's tours offer more than a day out, they're a way into friendships, nature, and a sense of belonging abroad..

Description supplied by the event organiser.