It lies in the unincorporated area of Harz between the Harz-Heide route (B 4) and the old Inner German Border about 6 km north of Braunlage.

Its summit, covered with loose boulders, stands proud of the surrounding trees and offers a superb all-round view.

Equally its characteristic rounded hilltop or Kuppe is visible in good weather from many other points in the Harz.

The base of the Achtermannshöhe is part of the granite massif of the Brocken, which extends across a wide area between Wurmberg, Torfhaus and Elend.

By contrast, the rocky, treeless Kuppe of the Achtermann comprises hornfels, a contact metamorphic rock.