Blankenburg: Two emperors on the duke’s trail
It’s been more than three years ago, still I do remember exactly the day of my coronation as Harzer Wanderkaiserin. I was proud on my 222 stamps that I collected over the years hiking. Especially the fact that I mostly used public transport and often hiked for more than eight hours a day. I also do remember that December 20th, 2019, the day of my coronation, was unusually warm. The foehn caused temperatures of almost 20 degrees. I proudly stand in front of the tourist information holding my certificate.
Great rush at the tourist information
Meanwhile the tourist information in Blankenburg is also open on Saturdays. That’s new. When we arrive at Schnappelberg 6 around 11 o’clock the place is still calm. First imperial honors are granted. However the queue gets longer and longer. The interest in the honors of the Harzer Wandernadel, may it be the king or the emperor, is huge. It is also shown by the number on Holger’s certificate. It is „only the number 10.444“ of all imperial honors but it is also Holger Christoph I. And there again we have something in common. Because I also call myself Christina Anina I.
After all stamps have been collected and the imperial stone is in our hands we like to enjoy the rest of this wonderful day walking on the duke’s trail. It is exactly the right tour to honor the rank of an Harzer Wanderkaiser the right way. At least in our opinion.
The duke’s trail: Evoking memories
Lucky enough, the duke’s trail starts right at the tourist information. The way leads us to the castle at first and through the baroque palace garden. We immerge into the forest and reach the Otto-Ebert-Brücke after a while. Memories evoke at this place. I remember the time well when I collected stamps here. We continue to the Eggeröder Brunnen, a settlement, and head towards the Volkmarskeller. From here we have another four kilometres to the cloister Michaelstein. It is really for the first time that I take notice of the Volkmarskeller. It seems that I did not have the time so far to take a closer look at the karst cave that used to be an underground church.
Refresment at cloister Michaelstein
We reach the area of cloistser Michaelstein. Right at the top we come across the snack bar belonging to the restaurant Klosterfischer. We stop here for something to drink and eat. An illustrious manhood exchanges opinions on the international situation upon beer and coffee. When we move on and walk across the compound we are surprised how beautiful the area became in the last years. Meanwhile the guest is spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants. Next to the Klosterfischer there is the Weißer Mönch and the Cellarius.
On panoramic trails
Back to Blankenburg we take the nice panoramic trail.
