Ham Radio
POTA / SOTA / Outdoor Radio
Harz / Brocken: POTA/SOTA Mini Trip

Harz / Brocken Radio Expedition 2025

SOTA & POTA with DARC OV D20 Berlin

In June 2025, I joined fellow operators from DARC OV D20 (Berlin) for a multi-day radio expedition to the Harz mountains, with Brocken (DM/SA-001) as one of the main highlights.

The trip combined SOTA, POTA, portable radio operation, hiking, and great camaraderie — exactly the kind of amateur radio activity I enjoy the most.

The Destination: Harz & Brocken

The Harz region offers a unique mix of:

  • Mountain terrain
  • Protected natural areas
  • Rich radio and historical significance

Brocken (DM/SA-001), at 1,141 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in Northern Germany and a classic SOTA summit. It is well known for its fast-changing weather, strong winds, and excellent takeoff for radio signals.

Brocken summit Brocken summit (DM/SA-001), the highest peak in Northern Germany and a classic SOTA destination.

Traveling and Operating with DARC OV D20 Berlin

This expedition was carried out together with members of DARC OV D20 Berlin, making it not only a radio trip but also a social and collaborative experience.

Operating alongside other experienced hams allowed us to:

  • Share equipment and setup ideas
  • Coordinate operating times and bands
  • Exchange tips for portable and summit operations

The group dynamic added a lot of value to the expedition and made long operating days both productive and enjoyable.

Group photo Part of the DARC OV D20 Berlin group during the Harz / Brocken expedition.

POTA Activations Summary

During the expedition, I activated several parks and protected areas across Saxony-Anhalt. Many operating sessions allowed multiple POTA references to be activated from the same location.

Activated POTA References

  • DE-0838 – Das Grüne Band National Historic Trail
  • DE-0551 – Harzer Hexenstieg State Trail
  • DE-0069 – Harz National Park
  • DE-0308 – Brocken Historical Reserve
  • DE-0065 – Harz Sachsen-Anhalt Nature Park

POTA Results

Between June 18 and June 20, 2025, I completed:

  • 9 POTA activations
  • 362 total QSOs
  • Operations ranging from early morning to late evening
  • Mostly HF portable operation, with excellent hunter activity

The Harz region proved to be an outstanding area for POTA, both in terms of propagation and interest from chasers.

SOTA Activation: Brocken (DM/SA-001)

On June 20, 2025, I activated DM/SA-001 (Brocken), earning 10 SOTA points.

SOTA Results Overview

  • Total QSOs: 34
  • Bands: 2 m, 40 m, 20 m, 10 m
  • Modes: FM, DATA, CW

Operating Highlights

  • 144 MHz FM: Local chasers and strong regional coverage
  • 7 MHz DATA: High activity across Central and Northern Europe
  • 14 MHz DATA: Excellent reach across Europe
  • CW: A welcome CW contact from OK2JIQ/P
  • 28 MHz DATA: A nice bonus contact on 10 m

Contacts were made with stations in Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Greece, and Russia.

Portable antenna setup Portable antenna setup on Brocken, optimized for quick deployment and changing weather conditions.

Gear List

For this expedition, I kept the setup simple, lightweight, and flexible, allowing me to operate both outdoors and from the hotel with minimal changes.

Transceiver & Power

  • QMX+ (160–10 m) Used for all POTA and SOTA activations, as well as hotel operation.

  • Battery Power (Portable Ops)

    • Battery pack using 3× 18650 Li-ion cells
    • Provided ample runtime for multiple activations

  • Hotel Power

    • USB-C PD power source
    • Buck converter to provide stable voltage for the QMX+

Antennas

  • POTA / SOTA Antennas

    • End-Fed Half Wave for 40 m
    • Multi-band operation on 20–10 m using harmonics

  • Hotel Antenna

    • End-Fed Random Wire, deployed from the hotel window

This combination proved extremely reliable and adaptable to changing environments, from windy summits to urban hotel rooms.

Final Thoughts

This Harz / Brocken expedition perfectly captured what I enjoy most about amateur radio:

  • Operating from meaningful and challenging locations
  • Combining hiking, nature, and radio
  • Sharing the experience with fellow club members
  • Making hundreds of contacts with minimal equipment

A big thank you to everyone from DARC OV D20 Berlin for the great teamwork, and to all the SOTA chasers and POTA hunters who made these activations so rewarding.

Brocken delivered once again — and it certainly won’t be the last activation from the Harz.

73

DE-0228: Obersee–Orankesee