Trautenstein: Dammbach Valley and Baptismal Font from 1830

Trautenstein brings together natural and cultural attractions that are clearly distinct: the Dammbach Valley is all about hiking, tributary streams and wooden footbridges; the baptismal font in St. Salvator Church is a striking example of Neoclassical design. Another scenic spot, Trageburg Rock, lies nearby. If you choose your trip based on specific interests, you can distinguish between a short hike, a historic object and a viewpoint.

A Neoclassical baptismal font

The baptismal font in St. Salvator Church in Trautenstein is a Neoclassical cast-iron piece from the Harz dating to 1830, designed in the shape of an ancient altar. The combination of artistic iron casting and a Neoclassical altar form makes it a striking object for anyone interested in ecclesiastical art.

Hiking in the Dammbach Valley

The Dammbach Valley invites visitors to enjoy a short hike year-round. Five long wooden footbridges provide crossings over the tributary streams, allowing hikers to cross without getting their feet wet. The Dammbach and its tributaries form one of the main tributary systems of the Rappbode and flow into the Rappbode at Trautenstein. The valley is part of the “Harzer Bachtäler” nature reserve. The five crossings give the short route a clear connection to the stream; at the same time, the valley can be seen as part of a larger protected area.

A viewpoint nearby

Nearby, Trageburg Rock lies about 2 km northeast of Trautenstein, on the right bank of the Rappbode pre-reservoir and along the Harzer Hexenstieg trail. From there, you can look across the Rappbode Valley towards the left bank. Unlike the Dammbach Valley, the rock is a destination in the surrounding area: its waterside location and valley views complement the local hiking and cultural attractions with a viewpoint.

More hiking and cultural destinations in the broader Oberharz am Brocken travel area

Two moderate hikes in the Oberharz am Brocken offer different distances and durations. One 2.8 km route runs through mixed forest to the Krockstein viewpoint and takes 55 minutes. The moderate circular route around the Hassel pre-reservoir near Hasselfelde is 5.5 km long and takes 1 hour 28 minutes. This makes the circular route around the pre-reservoir the longer of the two in both distance and duration. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Hasselfelde has an extensive network of hiking trails that includes the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg, nature trails and the Köhlerweg. These paths provide access on foot to the area's sights and excursion destinations.

At the Harzköhlerei Stemberghaus, traditional charcoal-burning earth kilns are built, fired and harvested from early April to late October, offering a live demonstration of the old charcoal-burning craft. The charcoal-burning museum gives an impression of the difficult working and living conditions of charcoal burners. The work at the kilns illustrates the production process, while the museum focuses on everyday work and life.

In Stiege, in the broader Oberharz am Brocken travel area, the stave church is Germany’s only religious building in the Norwegian dragon style. The turning loop in Stiege is part of the Selketal Railway and is described as Europe’s smallest turning loop. Visitors can choose between a distinctive architectural style and railway heritage as two different cultural attractions.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Benneckenstein, Elbingerode, Hasselfelde, Rübeland, Elend, Stiege, Neuwerk, Sorge

Back to the broader travel overview: Oberharz Am Brocken.