Meet like-minded people from all over Europe
Cycling enthusiasts’ hearts beat faster in the Selketal: one of the largest long-distance cycle routes in Europe, the European Cycle Route R1, leads via Ballenstedt in Saxony-Anhalt. From London via Calais, Bruges and Berlin, the R1 runs through a total of 11 countries all the way to Helsinki. The almost 1,000-kilometre-long German section is also part of the long-distance cycle route network within Germany as D-Route 3.
You don’t have to take the “really long route”. The Selketal offers pleasant routes in the wooded foothills of the valley in the Harz foreland. The combination of the Selketal-Stieg long-distance hiking trail and little-used country roads, some with cycle paths, is particularly suitable for all leisure cyclists who want to discover the region, its unique nature and its history.
The R1 European cycle route is well developed and mostly leads through the countryside. Purpose of the long-distance cycle route is to make the topographical, historical and cultural diversity of Europe tangible for everyone in the truest sense of the word. In the Harz Mountains, the trail more than lives up to this claim. The R1 winds its way over the moderate heights of the northern edge of the Harz through vibrant UNESCO World Heritage Sites, enchanting spa towns and half-timbered towns as well as past fairytale castles such as in Ballenstedt and historic towns such as Falkenstein/Harz.
R1 D-ROUTE 3 THROUGH THE SELKETAL
Ballenstedt - Opperode - Falkenstein/Meisdorf - Falkenstein/Ermsleben - Falkenstein/Reinstedt -> with detours to Falkenstein Castle and Konradsburg Castle
STOP IN BALLENSTEDT
Visit the baroque Ballenstedt Castle, enjoy a break in the magnificent castle park and enjoy refreshments in the restaurants and cafés in the town.
STOP IN OPPERODE
Visit St. Peter's Church and the Bismarck Tower.
CANCELLATOR
Falkenstein Castle: In Meisdorf, take the path to the castle. Konradsburg: Follow the signs before Ermsleben.
OVERNIGHT STAY
You will find numerous accommodation options in Ballenstedt, Falkenstein/Harz and Harzgerode.
Although there is no official Selke cycle path, you can still follow the course of the Selke river for almost 60 kilometers by bike. Parts of the Selketal-Stieg long-distance hiking trail is easy to cycle along, but then you can switch to country roads with little traffic or the cycle paths that accompany them.
SELKE-ROUTE
Stiege - Güntersberge - Straßberg im Harz - Silberhütte - Alexisbad - Mägdesprung - Meisdorf - Ermsleben - Reinstedt - Hoym - Gatersleben
WORTH SEEING ON THE ROAD
Selke spring near Stiege, the Mousetrap & Curiosity Museum in Güntersberge, the Glasebach mine in Straßberg, the ponds of the Lower Harz pond and ditch system near Silberhütte, the picturesque spa town of Alexisbad, the legendary Mägdetrappe near Mägdesprung, Falkenstein Castle near Meisdorf, Konradsburg Castle near Ermsleben
