Hiking Paradise & Lost Place Viktorshöhe

Between forest and meadows in the Harz Nature Park

Nowadays ‘advanced’ to a lost place, Viktorshöhe was a holiday residence for employees of the former state-owned enterprise (VEB) Draht- und Seilwerk Rothenberg and a popular tourist destination in GDR times. It is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails through the forests and meadows of the Harz nature park, including nature reserves such as the Spaltenmoor. Between the twittering of birds, the sound of the wind and the silence, you can switch off and unwind.

From the nearby Bremer Pond, where I spent almost every weekend with my grandparents during the summer holidays, you could reach the hill in about 45 minutes and a 2-3 km hike (the same today). On hot days, it was tempting to jump into the cool water, but the soda in the beer garden was also refreshing and did good. We socialised with our tent neighbours and friends (my grandparents were permanent campers at Bremer Pond) and such an excursion was great fun.

Along the way you will find the Bear Monument, which is an inviting place to stop and take a breather. Depending on your hiking mood, you can approach from many directions (2-3 km from Bremer Pond, 3.2 km from Friedrichsbrunn, 3.7 km from Mägdesprung, 5.5 km from Gernrode). The length of the hike varies accordingly.

It used to be possible to park in front of the Small and Great Devil's Mill (Kleine and Grosse Teufelsmühle), which form the gate to Viktorshöhe. Both are granite rock formation that displays typical spheroidal weathering. Today, the paths are reserved for hikers, cyclists and forestry. However, there are good parking options in Friedrichsbrunn (turn left directly at the entrance to the village coming from Gernrode, Hauptstrasse) and at Bremer Pond, for example.

Snow hikers and cross-country skiers get their money's worth, especially in winter. There is much more to experience, however.

Lost Place "Viktorshöhe" - An Insight:

The former Viktorshöhe excursion site is now a so-called lost place hidden in the Harz Nature Park. The buildings are crumbling and nature is reclaiming its space. The abandoned area and the ruins bear witness to an almost forgotten history. After the building of a hunting lodge and lookout tower at the end of the 18th century, it became an excursion destination, not least because it also offered a panoramic view of the surrounding area. At the end of the 1950s, the complex was converted into a holiday home, which was acquired by the former VEB Draht und Seilwerk Rothenburg at the end of the 1970s and was used for the recreation of its employees. Bungalows and a ward block were built. The restaurant and beer garden remained open to the public.

When the Wall came down in 1989, the guests stayed away. East Germans were now drawn to the wide world or nearby countries on their holidays and days off, which had previously been off limits to them. The desire to catch up on travelling left the Viktorshöhe unattended. Revenues were lost and the liquidation of the business did the rest. The possibility of further utilisation did not arise.

The restaurant was finally closed in 1990. Since then, the entire complex has been left to its fate and decay, surrounded by dense nature and tall trees. The wooden tower, which was used for radio, land surveying and observation in GDR times, lost its significance with increasing technical progress. It no longer exists. A new transmission tower has been erected, which can be seen from afar in the Harz Mountains.

Beer garden and restaurant then and now:

Restaurant dining area then and now:

"Viktorshöhe" holiday resort (big guest house) now:

"Viktorshöhe" bungalows now:

Viktorshöhe, Harz:

Walk from Bremer Bond to Viktorshöhe (google maps)