Cycle tour in the Harz Mountains for families and senior citizens
Easy cycle tour around the Oker dam in the Oberharz, mainly on forest paths
This wonderful cycle tour through the Harz Mountains is particularly suitable for families with children and older people, as the route is very easy to cycle. It runs mainly on forest paths along the Oker dam, is not that long and only a few metres in altitude have to be overcome.
During the cycle tour, you can enjoy a fabulous view of the Oker reservoir and the Harz countryside. Numerous benches invite you to take a breather. The cycle tour is suitable for touring bikes as well as e-bikes or mountain bikes.
| Start and finish: | Car park at the Vorsperrmauer/ Okertalsperre |
| Type of cycle tour: | Circular cycle tour |
| Level of difficulty: | Easy |
| Length: | 12.9 kilometres |
| Duration: | Approx. 1-2 hours |
| Ascent: | 35 metres in altitude |
| Descent: | 30 vertical metres |
| Highest point: | 434 metres |
| Lowest point: | 404 metres |
| Best time of year: | April to October |
| Geographical coordinates: | 51.822250, 10.443678 |
| UTM coordinates: | 32U 599498 5742254 |
| Directions to the start: | From the direction of Goslar towards Oker and then on the B498 towards Altenau. From Altenau take the B498 in the direction of Goslar. |
| Car park: | At the foreshore wall |
Route description of the cycle tour for families and senior citizens
You start the cycle tour at the barrier wall on the B 498 behind the town exit of Altenau. Here you cross the barrier wall and cycle on to the left on the tarmac forest road along the Oker dam along the reservoir. The widely branching side arms of the Oker dam are particularly inviting to enjoy the varied interplay of water, forest and air on the cycle tour. For a short breather with a view of the dam, there are benches on the banks to rest on. After around 7 kilometres you reach the large main dam. Cross it and continue left on the tarmac path along the banks next to the main road in the direction of Altenau. You then pass the Weißwasserbrücke bridge, pass the excursion restaurant "Der Windbeutelkönig" and then return to the starting point, the pre-dam wall.
Explore the Oker reservoir
In summer, the Oker reservoir offers ideal conditions for water sports. Here you can swim, surf or go on boat trips. The excursion boat, which operates on the reservoir almost all year round, takes visitors on a discovery tour of the numerous and beautifully situated bays.
But anglers also get their money's worth at the Oker reservoir and can enjoy fishing numerous different species of fish.
