rules of conduct

Especially important for our bikers.

Cycling is expressly permitted on the designated paths on our tours, as these are specifically designed for bicycles. These routes offer the optimal mix of fun and safety, both for cyclists and other nature lovers. However, there may be restrictions in the national park outside of these designated paths in order to protect nature and avoid conflicts with other users. It is therefore important to always stick to the designated routes to avoid entering prohibited or sensitive areas.


In addition, there are some important rules to be observed in the national park: Cycling is prohibited after dark as this could disturb the wild animals and also increases the risk of accidents. Plan your tour so that you get out of the forest in time before it gets dark. Cycling on the paths is prohibited, especially in winter conditions, in order to avoid damage to nature and dangerous driving. Another point to note: Speeds of more than 30 km/h are not permitted in the entire national park. This is to protect the environment, as well as the safety of other users and yourself.


We ask you to respect these rules, not only for legal reasons, but also out of consideration for nature, the animals and other visitors to the national park. Your responsible behavior will help ensure that everyone can enjoy the forest safely and in all its beauty.

Rules of conduct in the national park

The Harz National Park is an internationally recognized protected area of ​​the highest protection class. More than 10,000 species of animals, plants and fungi find a protected home here - including many rare or endangered species.

With several million visitors per year, there is a need for rules that guarantee these species and their habitats adequate protection and at the same time ensure that you as a national park guest can continue to enjoy the legendary mountain wilderness undisturbed in the future. By following the national park rules, you help preserve this unique place for everyone.

Route requirement: Only use signposted routes!

There is a trail rule in the national park. This means: stay on the signposted hiking trails. There are around 600 kilometers of this alone, which lead through fascinating landscapes and to magnificent viewpoints.

Don't leave trash behind

Do not leave your rubbish in the forest, but please use the rubbish and recycling bins at the end of your hike. More than 1,000 bags of rubbish have to be collected along the paths in the Harz National Park every year. But animals can easily die if packaging is carelessly thrown away! When they mistake the garbage for food and eat it, when they get tangled up in it and can no longer free themselves, or when they build nests with plastic garbage that are so waterproof that their young drown in them when it rains!

Don't pick or collect anything!

Every animal and every plant has its place in the cycle of nature in the protected area. Therefore, do not take anything with you from the national park that naturally belongs there. This is especially true for berries and mushrooms

Cycling with consideration!

Cycling is permitted on the designated paths on our tours, as these are intended for bicycles. There may be restrictions in the national park away from these routes. Please stick to the designated paths. Cycling is prohibited in the national park after dark. Plan your tour so that you can get out of the forest in good time. Cycling is prohibited in snow, and speeds of more than 30 km/h are not permitted in the national park.

No open fire - this also applies to grills and cookware!

Do not light a fire in the national park! This also includes grill and outdoor cookware. Reason: Fire spreads quickly, even in cold weather. Every year, valuable areas are destroyed by fires.

Observe the smoking ban!

Please refrain from smoking in the national park due to the risk of forest fires from February 15th to October 31st.

Don't let drones fly!

The operation of remote-controlled aircraft (e.g. drones) is prohibited in nature reserves and therefore also in the entire national park area.

No camping or bivouac!

Camping or bivouacing in the national park is not permitted. Use the official offers from tourist providers.

No fireworks!

In the entire national park area and accordingly also on the Brockenkuppe, there is a ban on setting off fireworks all year round. Both the banging and the light and blinding effects are serious threats to wildlife, which is often at its limit, especially in winter.

Avoid unnecessary noise!

In general, behave as calmly as possible in nature. This can only increase your chances of spotting animals.

Important for your own safety!

In Germany, you always enter the forest at your own risk: Watch out for typical forest dangers such as dead wood or tripping hazards such as roots or rocks. Avoid the forest during storms or heavy snowfall and also for a few days afterwards! There is then an acute danger to life and limb as branches fall down or trees that have already been damaged can be uprooted.

Always keep dogs on a leash!

Dogs are welcome in the Harz National Park, but please only on a leash. Even our most loyal companion can become weak if he gets a deer calf or lynx in his nose. Save the wild animals the dangerous chase and your dog the danger of disappearing between often meter-deep granite clefts. Important request: take filled dog waste bags with you again, they really have no place in the forest.