Alexisbad: Hiking Trails and History
Accommodation in Alexisbad
Alexisbad combines trails through the Selke Valley landscape with historic traces dating back to the town’s ceremonial inauguration in 1811. The nine-kilometre Klippenweg is a circular hiking trail with three viewpoints and forms part of the Selketalstieg. The chapel, shelter and engagement urn tell different chapters of the town’s history. When planning your trip, you can therefore combine hiking and culture rather than focusing on just one.
Hiking trails for different interests
With its length and circular route, the Klippenweg provides a clear framework for a day of hiking. Three viewpoints define the trail, while its connection to the Selketalstieg also makes it part of a longer hiking route. Check local trail conditions before setting out. If you would rather plan a hike to the Selke Falls, it starts at Alexisbad station.
The Selketal Trail runs between Alexisbad and Mägdesprung. Just before Mägdesprung are the Selke Falls, the Selke River and the Selketal Railway route. The trail section and the hike to the Selke Falls are therefore two different starting points for planning: one follows the trail between the two towns, while the other starts at Alexisbad station for a hike to the falls.
Chapel, shelter and memorial site
St Peter’s Chapel in Alexisbad was built in 1812/15 as a tea pavilion, based on a design by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. Its original purpose sets it apart from the Köthen Hut, which was built as a shelter on Kapellenfelsen in 1897 by the Köthen branch of the Harz Club. The two buildings represent different uses and periods in the town’s history.
The engagement urn on Habichtstein also has its own historical connection. WĂĽrttemberg nobles donated it in memory of a stay at the Alexisbad spa; it was erected in 1845/1846. The Luisentempel offers a different perspective on the landscape: it stands on a plateau high above the Selke Valley. Together, these places offer several historical and scenic themes that you can explore separately or combine when choosing your excursions.
Harzgerode as a distinct regional destination
Harzgerode also offers a seasonal focus for excursions. Its natural toboggan run descends 1,100 metres from the Harzgerode plateau in several bends into the Selke Valley, reaching the promenade towards Alexisbad, and drops around 75 metres in elevation. When there is too little snow, the route is also suitable for a winter hike. For your planning, it is important to distinguish between the conditions: tobogganing depends on snow, while the route can serve as a winter hiking trail when there is too little snow.
Plan your journey and starting point
One way to travel from the north is to take the train to Quedlinburg first, then continue to Alexisbad on the Selketal Railway. Alternatively, you can take a long-distance bus to Quedlinburg and change there to bus route 242 to Alexisbad. Check current bus and train connections before travelling, as services may change.
If you plan to use Alexisbad as your starting point, it is best to search for accommodation based on what matters most for your trip: the Klippenweg and its viewpoints, the historic buildings or a hike to the Selke Falls.
Discover more destinations: Dankerode, Neudorf, Siptenfelde, GĂĽntersberge, Schielo.
Return to the main travel overview: Harzgerode.
