Alongside the Grumbacher Graben Trail
What could be better than escaping to the Harz Mountains for some relief from the summer heat? Of course, I know that in some areas this has become more difficult because of the loss of forest cover. But there are still plenty of beautiful spots where the leafy canopy provides shade from the blazing sun and offers a welcome sense of coolness. The small mountain town of Wildemann, together with the Halbe-Höhen-Weg and the Grumbacher Graben Trail, is one of these peaceful retreats. Our hike begins in Wildemann. Near the spa park, right by the Halbe-Höhen-Weg, you’ll find a convenient parking area. From there, the trail initially climbs uphill until we reach the **Glück-Auf Park**. We then continue through the Spiegeltal Valley, following the Grumbach stream toward the **Wildemann water-treading site**.
The Easter Water Tradition
At a small spring with a seating area, we notice an intriguing sign reading **”Osterwasserbrauch”** (Easter Water Tradition). What could that possibly mean? We learn that on Easter Sunday, people traditionally walk to the stream before sunrise—in silence. Once they reach the Easter water spring, known as the **Irmgard Spring**, they are supposed to take a hearty drink of the water to ensure that all their wishes come true. Only then may they speak again. As a reward, they enjoy a hearty **Schärper breakfast**. Naturally, another question arises: what exactly is a Schärper breakfast?
A **Schärper**, also called a **Tscherper**, is the traditional miner’s knife used in the Upper Harz region. The Tscherper knife served not only as an everyday tool but also as a breakfast knife. In the old days, miners even used it to eat “off their thumb”—a practical way of eating while working underground. It’s fascinating what you can learn on a hike. One might almost say that hiking is educational.
Grumbacher Waterfall Viewpoint
We continue along the **”Tree of the Year” Avenue** toward the Grumbacher Waterfall, passing the **Willi Müller Trail**, whose nameplate has somehow ended up lying in the grass. At the end of the historic **Grumbacher Flößgraben** (timber-floating ditch) are the **Grumbacher Waterfall** and a small viewing platform. Here, the water tumbles about 15 meters (50 feet) down the hillside before reaching the Grumbach stream below the Grumbacher Pond. From here, we follow the **Grumbacher Graben Trail** until we arrive at the **Lower Grumbacher Pond**. Continuing alongside the historic water channel, we eventually reach **Hahnenklee**, more specifically the **Kuttelbacher Pond**, which now also features a forest swimming area. Swimming isn’t on today’s agenda, though—we’re ready for a refreshing drink instead. We stop at **1894**, a venue that combines a mini-golf course with a cozy bistro and bar.
Spiegeltal Waterfall
After our break, we stroll a little farther through the forests around Hahnenklee. Passing the impressive **Stave Church**, the town’s unmistakable landmark, we continue along the **Lover’s Bench Trail** to the **Pochwerkplatz** in Hahnenklee-Bockswiese. This pleasant park was once an ore-processing site and remained in operation until 1931. A large waterwheel still turns there today. Following the **Zellerfeld Kunstgraben**—a particularly beautiful stretch of trail—we make what is undoubtedly the highlight of the day: the **Spiegeltal Waterfall**. This impressive cascade is about five meters (16 feet) high and lies in the Spiegeltal Valley, just a short distance below the **Upper Spiegeltal Pond**. The waterfall plunges into a small pool that’s perfect for cooling your feet. The water is wonderfully cold, although the stones on the bottom can be quite sharp in places. Even so, the refreshing dip feels absolutely delightful, and it’s surprisingly hard to leave such a beautiful spot behind.
We continue hiking, passing the **Lower Spiegeltal Waterfall** and a bat conservation embankment. Following the **Spiegeltal Graben** back through the valley, we eventually return to our starting point in Wildemann.
**Our verdict:** This is a truly beautiful hike featuring picturesque historic water channels, impressive waterfalls, and lovely ponds perfect for a refreshing stop. It’s exactly the kind of walk you want on a hot summer’s day.
