Selke valley and Opperode mining

The starting point of the circular hike is the parking lot at the "Falken" guesthouse in the Selke valley, which we reach from Meisdorf or Pansfelde. From here we cross the Selke bridge to get to the left bank of the Selke. Here runs a nature trail on which some "fitness stations" are also installed, heading towards Meisdorf. After 1.7 km, the neo-Gothic facade of the Asseburg mausoleum with a stamping point of the Harz Hiking Badge can be found on the left side of the path.
We continue to follow the Selketalstieg to Meisdorf Castle. From here, the Selketalstieg runs westward through the so-called Petersberg valley, which we follow. We always stay on the forest path in the valley and arrive at the Rodeland meadow, where there is a covered seating area on the opposite forest edge. After 500 m, a forest road crosses the Selketalstieg, which we follow to the right towards Opperode and Ballenstedt. This path is called Lumpenstieg or Falkenweg. After another 200 m, we reach a spot labeled "Grenzversteinung" (border petrification). We are now in the mining area, which extends further to the coal shaft in Opperode. About 200 m past the border petrification, a small brook comes down the mountain from the left. We follow this about 100 m upstream where the well of the Opperode mining house can be seen, then return to the Lumpenstieg. The mining house stood about 100 m further to the right of the path.

On both sides of the path, we see several holes in the forest floor, the so-called Pingen. We now reach the forest edge where there is a shelter and have a view of the coal shaft, recognizable by the tree-covered spoil heap. Heading west, we continue in the forest until we reach the Kohlenschacht forest house on the left after 500 m. Immediately behind the forest house, the so-called Gatterweg runs uphill to the left, which we follow for 1.8 km until we reach the high path called Meisdorfer Trift. At the junction of the Gatterweg we are at the "Tormannsplatz." We now follow the Meisdorfer Trift to the left towards the east. At a distance of 700 m, there is a shelter on the right side of the path, in front of which a path leads right to the Selke view. We should not miss the path to the Selke view and the view there. On the way there, we cross a ditch and a cut rampart. A small sign informs us that this is the Ackeburg. At the Selke view, we find a stamping point of the Harz Hiking Badge and can enjoy the view into the Selke valley. Back on the Meisdorfer Trift, we continue towards Meisdorf and after 800 m reach a crossroads where there is another shelter. Here, the already known Lumpenstieg crosses the path, which we follow to the right and descend very steeply (caution!) for 1 km to reach the Selke valley and the starting point.

Sturdy and waterproof footwear as well as weatherproof clothing

From Quedlinburg via Ballenstedt, Meisdorf, from Aschersleben via Ermsleben into the Selke valley

Parking lot at the "Falken" guesthouse

Bus from Quedlinburg or Aschersleben to Meisdorf, former spa, then about 1 km walk

Tourist information Falkenstein/Harz OT Ermsleben

Tourist office in the town hall of Falkenstein/Harz
Markt 1
06463 Falkenstein/Harz

Tel.: 034743 / 96101

www.stadt-falkenstein-harz.de

Sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing are required for the route. In particular, the descent on the Lumpenstieg at the end of the route requires sure-footedness and good shoe tread.

Bike and hiking map Selketal, Bodetal 1:25,000 cartographic publishing company Nordhausen; Falkenstein/Harz region 1:25,000 available at the Ermsleben town hall