Riefensbeek-Kamschlacken: Hiking in the Sösetal

Riefensbeek-Kamschlacken lies in the Söse Valley, near the Söse Reservoir. As the smallest state-recognised health resort in the Harz Mountains, the village combines a distinctive setting with hiking routes and historical insights. If you are planning a trip, you can organise your days around specific types of routes and the season.

Hiking between the village and the reservoir

In summer, Riefensbeek-Kamschlacken’s extensive, signposted hiking trails invite you to explore on foot. One specific day-trip destination is BaudenSteig Circular Route No. 3: this beautiful day hike starts in Riefensbeek, climbs to the Hanskühnenburg National Park forest inn, and returns to Riefensbeek via the Sösetal Reservoir. The circular route thus combines a climb to a named destination with a return leg via the reservoir. If you like to plan a day around a specific destination, this tour offers clear guidance: Riefensbeek is both the starting point and the place to return to, while the Hanskühnenburg is the destination along the way.

The Harzer Försterstieg

The 60-kilometre-long Harzer Försterstieg offers a longer-distance option, leading from the historic imperial city of Goslar to the mountain village of Riefensbeek-Kamschlacken. Information boards line the entire route, and there are also small activity areas along the way. The Harzer Försterstieg leads to Riefensbeek-Kamschlacken via an award-winning forest nature trail. Long stretches of the Harzer Försterstieg can easily be covered by bicycle. You can reach the access points by public transport or car.

Summer trails and winter cross-country ski trails

The season also gives your trip a different focus. In summer, the extensive, signposted hiking trails invite you to explore on foot; in winter, groomed cross-country ski trails in Riefensbeek-Kamschlacken are available for skiing. These are different ways to spend time outdoors: a summer trip can focus on hiking, while in winter, skiing on the trails may be the deciding factor. When choosing your dates, you can therefore start by considering which of these activities you would like to shape your stay.

History and architecture

The area’s earlier history dates back to around 1200–1350, when entrepreneurs from Goslar operated smelting works in the Riefensbeek and Kamschlacken area, processing ores from the Rammelsberg. A much more recent architectural landmark is the Christ Chapel in Riefensbeek-Kamschlacken. This small, tent-shaped rectangular building was constructed in 1965/66 and faces west. The village’s story thus encompasses both the medieval processing of Rammelsberg ore and a 20th-century building. This blend of hiking trails, history and architecture gives a stay more than one possible focus.

Which accommodation suits your plans?

Your preferred focus can help determine your choice of accommodation. If you have BaudenSteig Circular Route No. 3 in mind, you can plan around a day hike that starts and ends in Riefensbeek. The Harzer Försterstieg, on the other hand, centres on the longer route from Goslar to the mountain village and the accessible trail access points; cycling is an option for longer sections. For a winter stay, the groomed cross-country ski trails could be a starting point for your plans. Match your accommodation search to the activity and season you want to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kamschlacken, Herzberg Am Harz, Wulften am Harz, Lonau, Bad Sachsa, Bad Grund, Pöhlde, Osterode Am Harz.

Back to the main travel overview: Osterode Am Harz.