Schnarcherklippen, Rock formation in Harz District, Germany

Schnarcherklippen are two granite towers about 20 metres apart on the northwest flank of the Barenberg, reaching 25 to 28 metres in height and up to 671 metres above sea level. They belong to the Brocken granite massif and show clear spheroidal weathering, with rounded, stacked layers of light grey rock streaked in darker grey and black, and moss growing in the crevices.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe climbed to the rocks during his third Harz journey in September 1784 and studied their structure. He later wove his observations into scenes from Faust I and Faust II, where the Harz rock landscape appears as a literary backdrop.

Visitors who listen carefully during southeast winds can hear a snoring-like sound emerging from the gap between the two towers, which gave the rocks their name. This natural acoustic effect occurs when air currents pass through the narrow space and echo against the granite walls.

An iron ladder fixed to the northeastern pinnacle allows less experienced visitors to reach the top, while the southwestern face offers climbing routes ranging from beginner to advanced grades. Access paths lead from the edge of Schierke through forest trails, and sturdy footwear helps on the rocky ground.

The two towers stand about 20 metres apart and rise 25 to 28 metres from the slope of the Barenberg, which itself reaches 695.5 metres. The rock belongs to the Brocken granite massif and shows clear spheroidal weathering, with rounded blocks stacked in layers. A thin pole with a small red flag stands near the top of the formation.