Bollywood at Hörden am Harz
Admittedly, Hörden am Harz is not exactly known for its international charm. And yet, we were able to discover it yesterday. It is located in the garden of a very lovely café and invites you to relax. It is a Hollywood swing of a special kind, namely Bollywood style. Presumably, this piece was not imported from the subcontinent. Still, with a little imagination, you can feel transported there. The associated guesthouse is, by the way, the Eulenhof. A really cozy spot for a spring day. The whole story was triggered by a trip along the Karstwanderweg. We started in Osterode along the southern route and ended up there again in the evening. Along the way, we experienced a lot: besides a magnificent, gentle hilly landscape, we enjoyed farm ice cream, saw the Red Harz Highland Cattle, and discovered the Edelhof. To top it all off, we stopped for asparagus at the Gasthaus zur Linde in Badelahe. It couldn’t have been better. Oh yes, and Goethe was of course here too 🙂
Departure in Osterode
At noon, we meet in Osterode at the ALOHA swimming pool. This is the starting point of our Karst hike. Unfortunately, we start a bit delayed because I stupidly left my bicycle helmet on the train. With little hope, I try to contact Deutsche Bahn to report the loss. In Berlin, I reach a call center, only to find out that nothing can be done during the Easter holidays. Finally, I quickly submit a lost item report through the online portal. However, I have little hope that an honest finder has turned in the helmet.
First, we walk along the old city wall in Osterode towards the Augustental gypsum factory. The Karst trail is marked with a red and white sign and a “K” in the middle. An information sign by the side of the path provides details about the history of the factory. However, we are captivated by the surroundings, enjoying the view and the sunshine nonetheless.
Passing a fire pond, we cross the road and railway tracks. We pass the Mielke dance hall and turn right back onto the Karst trail. The trail leads past a curious house – as is well known, taste is (not) to be debated – and continues into the forest.
Where is Hörden?
Suddenly, we feel a bit “lost.” The signage has changed. Initially, the route between Osterode and Herzberg was always marked. Now, Herzberg has suddenly been replaced by Mühlberg. Hmm, we’re a bit puzzled, especially since we want to go to Hörden am Harz, which is the turnaround point of our tour. We find out on our phone that we are at the height of Düna. From there, we think we can reach Hörden. We follow the road for a while. Next, we are stopped by a sign pointing to a organic farm and an ice cream freezer. Maybe it’s a good idea to take a little break here.
The mobile ice cream stand at the farm seems very popular; at least, there’s quite a bit of activity. We take the opportunity to ask for directions. A friendly cyclist gives us information. Above Düna, the road goes left towards Hörden. After our ice cream break, we set off again. Once more, we are delighted by the lovely landscape. We slowly but surely approach Hörden and pass a herd of Red Harz cattle with calves. In Hörden, we would like to take a drinking break at the Eulenhof.
An Idyllic Scene in the Countryside
I have only been to Hörden once before, and that was in winter. I never would have thought that there would be such an inviting café with a beautiful garden here. We are completely delighted with the farm café and have little desire to leave again. When I then discover the Bollywood swing with carvings in the garden, I am smitten. I can’t help it; there must be a little photo session. Too bad we have reserved a table in Badel near for the early evening. Time is a bit tight, so we have to set off. But we don’t yet know that we still have the most beautiful part of the route ahead of us.
All Roads Lead to Düna
On the way to the town, we discovered the signpost back to the Karstwanderweg. It’s not marked as Osterode but only Düna, but the direction is correct. This hiking section, which passes by Edelhof and a beautiful pasture in Hörden and leads to the Hainholz Nature Reserve, is so charming that we would love to sit on a bench with a glass of wine and linger. But, as I said, unfortunately, time is pressing. The path gently ascends, and the landscape becomes increasingly beautiful. In the middle of a small, green hill, a park bench beckons. We start to fantasize—now a little wine and just enjoying the scenery…
Back in Düna
We continue following the signs. However, when they only indicate Düna as the destination, not Osterode, we start to wonder. We check the phone again and go straight ahead. Unfortunately, the path ends in nothingness. So, we turn back again and continue in the direction of Düna. We pass the Jettenquelle, the horse pond, and the Hirschzungen sinkhole.
When we have the place in mind, we ask a dog-walker for advice. She more or less tells us that all routes, except one, lead to Osterode. Hmm, only Uehrde is signposted, but we decide to try our luck. First, we go in a circle, then we take the bike path to Osterode. That’s the safest option. And also, as a sign tells us, Goethe has already traveled this way 🙂
Suddenly, it gets a bit cooler and dark clouds gather. Hmm, there was no rain forecast? We manage to reach Osterode, district Dreilinden, just in time, passing by blooming rapeseed fields. From here, it’s still about 1.5 km until we reach our parking lot at the ALOHA swimming pool – dry.
The tour, about 22 km long, was very enjoyable. We were surprised by how beautiful the area around Osterode, Düna, and Hörden at the Harz is. I can easily imagine coming back to this area and maybe taking the Rötzel Panorama Trail next time.
