Region Selketal

The idyllic Selke Valley in the Harz Mountains is an absolutely must-see Harz region and is a real gem for nature lovers and history buffs. The enchanting region is located in the Harz district in the centre of Saxony-Anhalt and is well-known for its fairytale atmosphere surrounded by impressive rock formations and dense mixed forests as well as the eponymous Selke river, which carves its way through the protected nature of the national park. The Selke valley is certainly one of the most idyllic river valleys in the Harz Mountains, as the landscape and the flow of the Selke are uninterrupted by any dam walls, offering wonderful views.

The Selke river has its source between Güntersberge and Stiege and, as a tributary of the Bode, flows through the valley, which is up to 80 metres deep, over a length of almost 34 kilometres.

Explore the Selke Valley on foot or by bike

The Selke Valley is truly a paradise for hikers in particular, as numerous well-signposted hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty lead along the waters of the Selke and through the extensive meadows and dense forests. The Harzer Selketal-Stieg in particular is a long-distance hiking trail with a length of around 75 kilometres through the Selke valley, past picturesque views and several Harzer Wandernadel stamps, making it an absolute must for hiking enthusiasts. The Selketal-Stieg is a hiking route of medium difficulty, can be completed in around 4 to 6 stages and leads from Stiege via Straßberg, Alexisbad, Ballenstedt and Bad Suderode to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Quedlinburg. The Selke Valley and its sights can also be explored by bike. For example, one of the largest long-distance cycle routes in Europe, the European Cycle Route R1, leads through Ballenstedt over the heights of the northern Harz mountains past UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the enchanting spa and half-timbered towns of the Harz.

Palaces, castles and many other excursion destinations

The Selke Valley in the Harz Mountains not only has a lot to offer in terms of scenery - the three towns of Harzgerode, Ballenstedt and Falkenstein in the Selke Valley are particularly impressive with their historical charm, interesting excursion destinations and their very own history. Harzgerode, for example, is characterised by the magnificent Harzgerode Castle, the town's landmark. The castle ensemble of the town of Ballenstedt and Falkenstein Castle are also sights that are well known far beyond the borders of the Harz Mountains. There are also many other castles and fortresses in the Selke Valley, such as Konradsburg Castle, the ruins of Anhalt Castle, Roseburg Castle and Ackeburg Castle. An absolute must, especially for romantics, is the Selke Valley Railway, which makes its way through the Selke Valley powered by steam. Enjoy a leisurely ride on the narrow-gauge railway and marvel at the passing scenery.

Whether for a day trip or a holiday lasting several days - visit the Selketal in the Harz and get to know the beautiful nature, exciting excursion destinations and the special atmosphere and warm hospitality of the popular Harz region.