{"id":25949,"date":"2026-01-29T18:58:51","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T17:58:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=25949"},"modified":"2026-10-05T07:44:56","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T07:44:56","slug":"cycling-in-the-harz-in-2026-is-the-ultimate-bucket-list-for-race-bike-gravel-mtb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/fietsen-in-de-harz-in-2026-de-ultieme-bucketlist-voor-racefiets-gravel-mtb","title":{"rendered":"Cycling in the Harz in 2026 \u2013 the ultimate bucket list for road bike, gravel & MTB"},"content":{"rendered":"

While the entire cycling world is staring blankly at the Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites, in Germany there is a middle mountain range that is easily overlooked. We are talking about the Harz Mountains, or rather the Harz National Park. Harz region<\/a>. It\u2019s less polished and less popular here than the well-known cycling regions. It\u2019s a bit rougher, a bit more striking, and very close to home for the Dutch. But what do you find in the Harz? Dense forests, steep climbs, quaint little towns, abandoned mines, beautiful rock formations, and long quiet roads where you can drive for hours without encountering anyone. Sounds perfect, right? We\u2019ll make the case for you why you should go to the Harz in 2026 (just like us) on a cycling adventure. Whether you want to explore with a gravel bike, seek out elevation meters on the racer, or just want to cross through the forests on your mountain bike<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is my personal bucket list for the Harz<\/a>. Ten wonderful places where you can get lost (but with a route you can also find your way back home).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Harz
(c) Harz Tourismus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. The Brocken \u2013 the roof of North Germany<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Anyone who cycles in the Harz and misses the Brocken is not really been there. With 1,141 meters, this is the highest peak in Northern Germany. The climb is long, jagged, and often treacherous due to wind and weather. But above lies a view that justifies everything. On clear days you can see for tens of kilometers. The best part? The feeling that you have truly conquered something here. Not a touristy hike, but a serious climb that stays with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: start early. The fog often arrives later in the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Brocken,
View of the Brocken \u2013 (c) Harz Tourismus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Green<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Volksbank Arena Harz \u2013 mountain biking on a grand scale<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The title sounds like a football stadium. But the Volksbank Arena<\/a> It\u2019s not a stadium; it\u2019s actually not even a bikepark. You can say with confidence that it\u2019s a complete ecosystem for mountain bikers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n