Hiking Collection by Renée
4-7
days
3-5 h
/ day
49.1 mi
3,200 ft
4,375 ft
In the east of the magical world of the Harz Mountains in northern Germany, the Selke River meanders through a picturesque valley. The Selketalstieg hiking trail runs along the water's edge and accompanies it from its source near Stiege village to Quedlinburg, a town on the edge of the Harz Mountains. The 75-kilometre (46 mile) trail leads you through wide meadow landscapes, steep valleys with scenic cliffs, and natural deciduous forests.
There are many sights worth seeing along the way – old castles and palaces are waiting for you to visit and traces of the region’s mining legacy are begging to be discovered. You cross the tracks of the Selke Valley Railway again and again where you might catch a glimpse of one of the old steam trains chugging through the valley. The Selketalstieg is suitable for both nature lovers looking for peace and quiet and hikers who are interested in history and culture – you find both here in abundance.
The start in the village of Stiege is easily accessible by car. If you travel by train, it is best to first go to Quedlinburg and then take the Selke Valley Railway to Stiege. The stages are planned so that you usually have several accommodation options at the end of the day. As the Selke Valley Railway connects the towns en route, you can easily shorten or skip stages. You can find information about the timetables on the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (HSB) website.
The Selketalstieg can be walked comfortably in both directions and is well waymarked. Occasionally a little surefootedness is required, but the route is perfectly suited to beginners on the whole.
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Last updated: October 24, 2021
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Now you are at the starting point: At the small station of the Selketalbahn in Stiege. The weight of the backpack may feel a bit strange at first, but you get used to it quickly. You leave the place along the bank of the Oberteich and set off on your way. Through a meadow landscape you first follow the…
by Renée
Today's stage could hardly be more varied. After you have shouldered your rucksack and mastered the first few meters of altitude, you can quickly reach the engagement urn and pass the Habichtstein and the Birkenhäuschen refuge. Here you already have the first foresight into the Selketal. Along the slope…
by Renée
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Today is the day of castles and palaces. In front of the gates of Meisdorf Castle, where a hotel can now be found, the Selketalstieg leads you east into a dense deciduous forest. After a leisurely climb over the first few kilometers, you will soon reach Ballenstedt. The Selketalstieg leads you directly…
by Renée
The last stage of the Selketalstieg is short and you can therefore take it easy today. You walk through the village - past the old church and the listed train station at the end of the village. The historic Bückemühle on the side of the road is now a restaurant and guesthouse and is widely known for…
by Renée
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