Hiking enthusiasts can look forward to a safe season in the Harz: Since June 1, 2024, additional rangers in the Harz National Park are ensuring greater nature conservation and improved visitor management. This move by the national park administration responds to the significantly increased number of visitors in recent years who want to experience the Harz and its famous long-distance hiking trails. This new ranger concept has immediate effects on popular routes such as the Harz Hexen Trail, the Karst Trail, and the Selketal Trail, enhancing safety and the overall experience for hikers.

The most important things at a glance

• Since June 1, 2024, more rangers are out and about in the Harz.
• The Harz National Park is responding to increased visitor numbers on long-distance hiking trails.
• The rangers monitor sensitive natural areas and assist with orientation and emergencies.
• For hikers, advice is available on-site and through the national park app.
• The concept is initially valid during the main migration period until the end of October 2024.

Reinforcement on the hiking trails: New ranger teams

Those who are out and about in the Harz Mountains in summer 2024 will encounter professional rangers more frequently than ever before. According to the Harz National Park Administration, daily patrols are conducted, especially on popular routes like the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg. The focus is on particularly protected areas like the Bodetal valley or the Brocken massif. The rangers provide direct information to hikers about nature conservation rules, point out current dangers such as rockfalls or forest fire risks, and respond quickly to emergency calls. The new teams are also present in the evening hours when many trekkers set up their tents or look for bivouac sites.

Modern Support: Consulting and Security from First Hand

For the first time, the Harz National Park offers wandering guests direct advice via an app: Through the official national park app, information on current trail closures, tips for wildlife observation, and the quickest way to contact the ranger team are available. As confirmed by the administration, more than 500 inquiries were answered digitally in the first month alone. This new concept is complemented by increased signage and information boards along the main paths to provide better orientation and promote environmentally friendly behavior for inexperienced long-distance hikers.

Impact on Migrants and Conservation

The ranger teams report that in the first few weeks of the new concept, more violations of access bans were prevented and several injured hikers were quickly assisted. Especially important for active nature tourism: The main trails, such as the Karstwanderweg and the Selketal-Stieg, remain completely accessible, while some secondary paths will be closed to protect animals and plants. The National Park Administration recommends always using the marked main trails and paying attention to current ranger notices.

The new ranger program will run initially until the end of October 2024. The national park administration will then assess whether the measures will be continued. Until then, those who are hiking on the most beautiful long-distance trails in the Harz region will benefit from increased safety and practical support on site.