Herzberg am Harz 21 Sep
Erfurt to Herzberg 126 mile
Leaving Erfurt behind, there were several road options to Herzberg, largely dependent on the weather. All three routes, however, passed through Kyffhäuser, a location well known among the biking community. For those familiar with North West England, it’s akin to Devil’s Bridge a popular gathering spot for bikers during the week and especially bustling on weekends.
The Harz region was lively for an early Saturday morning, particularly with motorcyclists, as it offers some of the finest riding roads in the area. Among the highlights are the A71 from Erfurt, a must-ride road to include in any itinerary. Its open stretches and gentle, sweeping bends make it perfect for a serene morning ride. Traffic was quiet along the route until reaching the intersection of the B85 and L2297. At that point, it felt like being on a track day, with motorcycles everywhere around me.
Despite arriving early, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of German bikers, many of whom spoke excellent English. I treated myself to a coffee while chatting with several friendly locals eager to converse with a visiting British biker. While some of the bikes were German made, the majority were Japanese, though I was delighted to spot a couple of Triumphs among the mix.
After a refreshing break, I resumed my journey through the Harz and on to Herzberg, where I had booked a night at the Hotel Englischer Hof, a charming independent hotel on the outskirts of town.
Dinner that evening was a pleasant surprise. The pre-dinner drinks were excellent, and the food was simple yet fresh, served with attentive care. After the indulgent and elaborate dinner the night before, it was refreshing to enjoy a straightforward meal in such a welcoming setting.
