It is a fascinating natural phenomenon to be able to observe the formation of gypsum directly. Anhydrite absorbs water and turns into gypsum. It swells constantly and this bulging can create small cavities, which are also known as dwarf caves. The soft gypsum is very easily washed away and so every time you visit a site you can discover new washed-out or broken-off areas, even further along the path.

Translated by

•

HarzWusel

November 11, 2021

Hiking

You can see the formation of heavenly meal very nicely. It was once added to the grain flour for bread in order to stretch it cheaply. Anyone who ate too much of this flour died in excruciating pain and went to heaven.

Translated by

•

Holger

June 3, 2018

Hiking

Geology history worth exploring

Translated by

•

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Nearby routes

Best routes near Selenite (spring gypsum) outcrop on the Karst Trail

3.7

(3)

hikers

1. Karst Trail Loop from Woffleben

16.1km

04:29

270m

Hike 10.0 miles (16.1 km) through the unique gypsum karst landscape of the Southern Harz Nature Park, featuring sinkholes and forests.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

5.0

(1)

hikers

2. Bridge Over the Lochmühlgraben – Arbocusta, the Tree Witch loop from Woffleben

8.90km

02:27

150m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

5.0

(1)

hikers

3. Ellrich Train Station – Gudersleben Muskampen Trail loop from Ellrich

11.8km

03:17

210m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 250 m

Weather

Sunday 15 March

7°C

-1°C

78 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See nearby routes

Take Me There

Location: Ellrich, Landkreis Nordhausen, Thuringia, Germany

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Gipskarsthöhle Kelle

Ellrich Gypsum Quarry

Wendeleiche (HWN 165)

Zweiländereiche and Harzer Grenzweg Border Marker

View of the South Harz Hills

Bremsberg Former Quarry

Itelteich West Shore

Großmutter Sycamore Maple at Katzenstein

Sattelköpfe Nature Reserve Viewpoint

Junkerholzteich

Rest Area and Information Boards at Die Kelle

St.-Johannis-Kirche Woffleben

Selenite (spring gypsum) outcrop on the Karst Trail

1. Karst Trail Loop from Woffleben

2. Bridge Over the Lochmühlgraben – Arbocusta, the Tree Witch loop from Woffleben

3. Ellrich Train Station – Gudersleben Muskampen Trail loop from Ellrich

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️