Selketal-Stieg 5: From Meisdorf via Ballenstedt to Gernrode (Osterteich station)

On the 11.3 km long fifth stage, the long-distance trail moves away from the Selke river course and leads you back to the Selketalbahn. At Meisdorf Castle, follow the signs of the Selketal-Stieg towards Ballenstedt. You cross a meadow above the golf course and pass through a forest area to Kohlenschacht, where stamp point 180 is located. From there, you have a wonderful view over the Harz foothills. At this point, a detour to Selkesicht is particularly recommended. This viewpoint offers a final breathtaking view back over the Selke valley. It is no coincidence that Selkesicht was voted the most beautiful hiking stamp point in 2021. The stage 5 then extends to 16.3 km. To continue hiking on the Selketal-Stieg, you must return the same way to Kohlenschacht. Then continue along Falkenweg and Heinestraße towards the Ballenstedt castle ensemble, which is part of both the garden dreams and the Romanesque Road in Saxony-Anhalt. The castle houses a forest and hunting exhibition. In the castle park, you can admire the lindworm created in the Carlswerk Mägdesprung. At the back of the castle park, you find stamp point 181 at the forest master Tannen.

Via Fürstenweg, you leave the Ballenstedt castle park and pass the Roseburg in Rieder. To the north, you see the impressive sandstone rocks of the Gegensteine, the eastern foothills of the Devil's Wall, and reach Osterteich Gernrode – a wonderful swimming opportunity after a strenuous hike. In Gernrode, the Selketal-Stieg meets again the route of the Selketalbahn that runs between Stiege and Quedlinburg. The narrow-gauge railway stop is located directly at Osterteich.

Cyclists can alternatively use the parallel paved cycle path on the former railway tracks between Ballenstedt and Gernrode.

Accommodation options are available in the town.

Sturdy hiking boots, drinks, and provisions for the way. Possibly poles.

In Meisdorf, the avenue offers enough parking spaces.

Bus (www.insa.de)

Additionally at the destination:

Selketalbahn (www.hsb-wr.de/Fahrplan-Tarife/Fahrplaene/)

Selketal Information Ballenstedt, Anhaltiner Platz 7, 06493 Ballenstedt, Tel. 039483 263, kontakt@ballenstedt-information.de, www.ballenstedt.de

​Selketal Information Gartenhaus, Information and service center at Gartenhaus, OT Pansfelde, 06543 Falkenstein/Harz, Tel. 034743 5 35 65, postfach@stadt-falkenstein-harz.de

Selketal Information Harzgerode, Schlossberg 3, 06493 Harzgerode, Tel. 039484 74 76 123, stadtinfo@harzgerode.de

www.dasselketal.de

Selkesicht

Selkesicht offers a wonderful view over the Selke valley. Here you will also find one of the most beautiful hiking stamp points of the Harzer Wandernadel. Simply follow the signs "Selkesicht" from Kohlenschacht.

Ballenstedt

The castle ensemble with its associated castle park is perfect for a break. There is much to discover and places to refresh yourself.

www.harzinfo-shop.de/onlineshop/kartenmaterial