- Ilsetal's bridge demolition leads to hiking trail's temporary closure.
The beloved Heinrich-Heine-Path in Ilse valley's Harz district has been closed since the previous summer following damage to a wooden bridge caused by a massive granite stone slipping off. The Bremer Path, leading hikers up to the 1141-meter peak of Brocken, remains inaccessible, as per the Harz National Park administration in Wernigerode. The bridge met its end last Monday.
The area remains a challenge to navigate. According to National Park Director Ralf Schmidt, "The slope above the trail section has visibly shifted and continues to pose a significant danger." It's a "slow-moving slide" that occasionally moves more or less. Moreover, the Ilse river is slowly weakening the lower slope as well.
Consequently, a new bridge won't be constructed. Schmidt shared, "The extensive modification of the protected environment required for this wouldn't be warranted at this point in the river valley." He anticipates a thorough safety assessment at the earliest, in the upcoming spring. A detour has been established for hikers in the meantime.
Due to the safety concerns, the Heinrich-Heine-Path in Lower Saxony's Ilse valley remains closed. The Harz National Park directory, Ralf Schmidt, mentioned the shifting slope above the trail section and the slow-moving slide, posing a significant danger.
