Summer is the ideal season to discover Germany’s impressive natural wonders. Mild temperatures, long days, and relatively little rain offer the best conditions for excursions into nature. It doesn’t always have to be a day at the beach — spectacular landscapes also invite you to enjoy unforgettable experiences. Whether you head to a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Harz Mountains or to Germany’s tallest chalk cliffs —the choice is entirely yours. If you also love waterfalls, don’t miss this tip: The Königshütter Waterfall is one of the most beautiful and, at the same time, most easily accessible waterfalls in the Harz Mountains.
The Königshütte Waterfall is located in the Rothehütte district of Königshütte, which is part of the town of Oberharz am Brocken. It lies at an elevation of about 496 meters above sea level, directly on Federal Highway B27 between Elbingerode and Braunlage. From Elbingerode, it’s only a few kilometers to this popular destination.
Although the Königshütter Waterfall looks like a natural waterfall today, it is actually an artificial one. It was created in 1994 in a former quarry. After the quarry was closed, a small stream was diverted over the rock face, creating the waterfall we see today. Depending on the source, the height of the Königshütter Waterfall is reported to be between 12 and 20 meters . The drop in elevation results from the former quarry wall over which the water plunges.
The waterfall is fed by a small, unnamed stream or ditch that originates above the former quarry. The water then flows into the Kalte Bode, one of the two source rivers of the Bode.
Although it was artificially created, it blends harmoniously into the landscape and looks like a natural waterfall. The former quarry setting gives it a special character. Since it flows year-round and is easily accessible, it’s one of the most popular photo spots in the Harz Mountains. There’s also a lovely rest area right by the water, while a lookout point above the waterfall offers an impressive view of the rocky landscape. Plus, the waterfall is part of the Harz Hiking Badge trail.
The Königshütter Waterfall is an excellent stop along various hiking trails. Particularly popular routes include hikes to the Königsburg ruins, the Trogfurther Bridge, along the Harz Hexenstieg, to the Weinklippe, or to the Königshütter Dam.
