Churches & Monasteries
Discover the special features of the Harz churches
The Selketal is a region that combines history, culture and architectural beauty. Discover the variety of churches that adorn the valley and present an impressive range of architectural styles. From Gothic masterpieces to wooden churches and Baroque treasures – each church tells its own story and invites visitors to enjoy its unique atmosphere. Whether you want to discover architectural treasures or simply enjoy the peace and quiet, the historic landmarks of the towns of Ballenstedt, Falkenstein/Harz and Harzgerode await you.
The forest church in Silberhütte was built in 1932 according to plans by Kurt Ehrlich, Ballenstedt’s building council, using spruce wood from the region. The construction was supported by the local population and the owner of the local sawmill. It was given its name because of its location on a piece of forest land.
A few years ago, the Silberhütte parish merged with the St. Paul’s parish in Siptenfelde. These two parishes now form the Protestant parish of Siptenfelde-Silberhütte.
The church is one of the cultural monuments of the Selketal region. Today, a dedicated community of interest has come together to preserve the church in order to maintain and protect this historic building.
Visit the Waldkirche to admire the harmony of the wooden architecture and experience its history.
ADDRESS
Kirchgasse - 06493 Harzgerode-Silberhütte.
Visit the historic chapel in Alexisbad, a masterpiece of classicist architecture built in 1815 according to the designs of the famous Karl Friedrich Schinkel.
Originally created as a pavilion, the building was used as a place of worship under Duchess Friederike von Anhalt, as there was no church in Alexisbad. It was later converted into a chapel.
The Protestant parish of Harzgerode acquired the chapel in 1933. During the GDR era, use of the chapel was made difficult as Alexisbad was used by state authorities such as the State Security, the Ministry of the Interior and the SED as a place of recreation. After reunification, it was reopened to the public in 1990 and underwent a thorough renovation in 1992.
Significant for Alexisbad, the building appears in yellow-painted wood paneling with a roof made of folded zinc sheeting. Inside, above the altar, there is an impressive copy of a depiction of St. Peter by the Dresden court painter Anton Raphael Mengs. Concerts and devotions have been held regularly in the chapel since 1999.
After a further renovation in 2007/08, it was solemnly named “St. Peter’s Chapel Alexisbad” during the Easter service in 2008. It has been possible to say “I do” here since 2007: its almost picturesque beauty makes it a popular venue for weddings. Enjoy the special atmosphere during your visit to Alexisbad.
ADDRESS
Selke-Promenade - 06493 Harzgerode
The Church of Our Lady is located in the Dankerode district of Harzgerode. It houses the oldest artifacts from the village’s thousand-year history, including the “Seiger bell” from the 13th century.
This church is characterized by its tower, which is located on the east side of the building, which classifies it as a choir tower church. It was rebuilt several times between the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century.
The wooden chancel altar from 1696 with its stucco pulpit is particularly impressive. A wonderful painting by the Harzgerode painter Anton Josef Stichofzky can be seen underneath. Discover even more fascinating details of this lovingly and impressively designed church during a visit!
ADDRESS
Pfarrgasse - 06493 Harzgerode OT Dankerode
St. Paul’s Chapel is located in the cemetery at III. Hammer, the former III. Friedrichshammer in Mägdesprung and thus the area of the hammer mills, the “Hütte unterm Mägdesprung”.
The cemetery is surrounded by old trees in the side valley of the Selke – a quarry stone wall surrounds the area. The chapel was first built in the cemetery in 1915 as a church for the workers and was later used as a cemetery chapel. With its hipped roof made of red-tinted shingles, the small bell tower and the yellow-beige color, the chapel looks almost picture-perfect.
A wrought-iron epitaph is located next to graves in the cemetery. The memorial commemorates the victims of the roasting furnace disaster of 1842: A young worker and others who tried to save him died while cleaning an industrial furnace.The cemetery belongs to the Protestant parish of Harzgerode and is still used for burials today.
LOCATION
On the 3rd hammer in the cemetery of Mägdesprung
St. Andrew’s Church in Königerode is a church built in the Baroque style. The massive stone building dates back to the years 1747 – 1749.
However, a predecessor building from 1520 was already mentioned in documents. The church tower was erected in 1484, as confirmed by an inscription in the tower knob.
Unfortunately, there are no records of the appearance of the first church in Königerode, which is over 1000 years old. St. Andrew’s Church is one of the Harz churches that have been supported by the LEADER program(methodical approach to regional development), which has contributed to its preservation and restoration. Visit the church and discover its exciting history.
ADDRESS
Dorfstraße - 06493 Harzgerode OT Königerode
St. Christopher’s Church in Straßberg in the Harz/Selketal is a characteristic example of a miner’s church. The church is closely linked to the mining history of the region and shows the important role of mining in the life of the community.
It was built as a retreat and meeting place for the Christian community of miners and their families. The simple architecture of the church reflects the modest living conditions of the miners and yet radiates a welcoming atmosphere. Due to its history and cultural value, St. Christopher’s Church is a landmark of Straßberg.
ADDRESS
Kirchstraße 91 - 06493 Harzgerode OT Straßberg
The oldest parts of St. Mary’s Church in Harzgerode date back to around 1200. Fires in the 15th and 16th centuries and subsequent renovations destroyed and changed the church’s former appearance. It was rebuilt in 1698 on the orders of Prince Wilhelm von Anhalt-Bernburg-Harzgerode.
The nave was extended to double the width of the tower, which meant that the tower was no longer aligned with the symmetrical axis of the nave. Upon entering the church, visitors are greeted by a true Baroque splendor. Three galleries are decorated with ornate carvings and 72 emblems. The recent restoration has created an impressive world of images, which mainly tell biblical stories.
But local themes are also depicted here: Depictions can be found to the left of the pulpit: The “Albertine” mine and silver smelting in the Selketal.
The Prince’s Chair, built especially for Prince Wilhelm, stretches across the entire width of the east side and is crowned with a picture of the Prince and his two wives. Beneath the tower is a vault in which the Prince and his first wife Elisabeth Albertine rest in magnificent Baroque coffins.
Despite the two world wars in the 20th century, the church building remained largely undamaged. However, the bells fell victim to the war as metal levies. Only the Seiger bell, cast in 1486 and recast in 1725, fortunately returned to Harzgerode. In the 1980s, a comprehensive renovation of the church began in order to preserve its beauty and history. Visit this massive Baroque treasure.
ADDRESS
Marktplatz 6 - 06493 City of Harzgerode
In the 17th century, Prince Wilhelm von Anhalt-Bernburg-Harzgerode had the simple half-timbered church with its unique oval floor plan built. And in the village of Siptenfelde, which he had laid out and thus created.
He commissioned a Dutch architect to build the church: the result was a timber-framed building that is rarely found today. Be fascinated by the sight of the sophisticated half-timbered architecture. Today, the parish of Siptenfelde forms a joint parish area together with Güntersberge and Silberhütte.
ADDRESS
Güntersberger Str. 73 - 06493 Harzgerode OT Siptenfelde
The Protestant church of St. Georg in Schielo was rebuilt on the same site in 1982 to replace the old, dilapidated church. This new building was a practical solution to better meet the needs of the congregation. The church is dedicated to St. George, a Roman soldier who fought against the persecution of Christians in the name of his faith. The building is characterized by its simple elegance and provides a space for church services, devotions and cultural events.
ADDRESS
Schulstraße - 06493 Harzgerode OT Schielo
The church of St. Peter and Paul in Neudorf is a striking landmark of the village and dominates its skyline. It was built in 1888 to replace the previous building, which had been severely damaged by a devastating fire. Visitors have the opportunity to visit the church from Monday to Saturday from 13:00 to 18:00. The church also houses exhibitions that are well worth a visit.
ADDRESS
Hauptstraße 89 - 06493 Harzgerode OT Neudorf
The St. Martin’s Church in the Güntersberge district has been in its current form since 1871. The church is named after St. Martin of Tours.
The new hall church was built between 1859 and 1871 on the site of a medieval predecessor which burned down in 1856. Built in the neo-Romanesque style from slate quarry stone with brick facings, it has a square church tower to the west of the nave. Renovations took place in the 1930s and 1970s. In 2010, black clay tiles replaced the former shingles.
Inside the church there is a carved and painted beamed ceiling as well as a horseshoe-shaped choir and organ loft with coffered balustrades. The furnishings date from the time the church was built. The organ was made by Carl Voigt from Halberstadt. A gravestone immortalizes the last Catholic clergyman of the previous building, who died in 1523 and has a carved figure.
ADDRESS
Pfarrgasse 25 - 06493 Harzgerode OT Güntersberge
The Catholic Church of St. Elisabeth was designed by the Magdeburg architect Franz Josef Arnold in 1931 and completed in 1933.
It is a true treasure of art history: built in the Bauhaus style, as a modern church it reflects the spirit of the Bauhaus tradition. As a so-called “sectional church”, its floor plan is characterized by unusual angles and transitions between the rooms. A particularly outstanding feature of the church are the oversized depictions of the saints St. Boniface and St. Elisabeth in the round arches of the entrance area.
The German painter Bernd Terhorst (1893-1986) created these using a very rare painting technique. In the style of Renaissance sgraffito painting, colors were applied on top of each other and scratched out in the two twin portal niches.
Inside, expressionist stained-glass windows stand out alongside 14 terracotta panels by the artist Georg Kemper depicting the Way of the Cross of Jesus Christ. The interior of the church was rebuilt in the 1970s to bring the preacher closer to the congregation: The high altar and high pulpit were removed. A new wooden cross by the Dresden artist Friedrich Press completed these renovations in 1973. After reunification, the church was renovated again and fitted with new furniture and an organ, among other things.
ADDRESS
Quedlinburger Straße 4 - 06493 Ballenstedt
The Protestant church of St. Nicolai is a single-nave building in the late Gothic style and is located in the historic town center of Ballenstedt.
The Nicolai Church was first mentioned in 1326 as the Chapel of St. Nicolai. The cross tower in the west, which dates back to the 12th century, was the only part of the building to survive after a fire in 1498. In 1500, the church was rebuilt in the late Gothic style.
An inscription states that the lower carved galleries were installed in 1587. The organ loft was extended in 1826 and the upper gallery was added at the same time. The last construction phase was not completed until 1965. Artistic inventory can be found here: The balustrade contains an extensive cycle of paintings with depictions from the Old and New Testaments as well as three coats of arms. Stained glass windows in the polygon, chancel and south aisle from the 19th and 20th centuries depict Paul and Peter, John and Christ, among others. But also Martin Luther, Philipp Melanchton and Prince Wolfgang von Anhalt. A chandelier from Coswig-Anhalt Castle, a gift from Princess Katharina, later Russian Tsarina, adorns the interior.
A renovation in 1970 gave the church a new look: The upper gallery was removed, new pews installed, the floor tiled and suitable lighting fixtures installed.
ADDRESS
Mühlstraße 14, 06493 Ballenstedt
The castle church is located on the majestic and historic Schlossberg in Ballenstedt Castle. It is built as a hall above the crypt of the old monastery church. Round arches and ornate capitals adorn the crypt, where display boards explain the history.
Integrated into the east wing of the castle, the church can still be admired today in a rectangular gallery hall. The church looks more like a stylish banqueting hall – the gallery with pulpit and organ provide the ecclesiastical attributes. The castle church once served the Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg as a place of worship and celebration. The castle church was thus the scene of important historical events, including royal weddings, baptisms and funerals, which shaped its history and that of the region. It is no wonder that the church is still a place for Christian ceremonies today, especially weddings. So you can spend a wonderful, fairytale wedding day here with everything that goes with it. In addition to the castle church, the enchanting castle grounds offer the perfect ambience and, with a restaurant and hotel, all the facilities you could wish for
ADDRESS
Schloßplatz 3 - 06493 Ballenstedt
The castle chapel in Ballenstedt is an impressive example of Baroque architecture and has a rich history dating back to the 18th century.
On the site of the old collegiate and monastery church of St. Pankratii, which served as the oldest burial place of the Ascanians and housed the remains of Albrecht the Bear, Prince Viktor Friedrich had the palace chapel built in Baroque style in 1748. It was solemnly consecrated on September 22, 1748.
When Prince Friedrich Albrecht moved his residence from Bernburg to Ballenstedt in 1765, an independent castle parish was established. In 1887, a prayer hall was built next to the castle parish, which was consecrated on October 27 of the same year. The castle parish itself was rebuilt in 1900/01. Today, the prayer hall serves as the castle chapel, where regular church services are held for the congregation. In addition, the castle chapel is to be used again as a house of prayer
ADDRESS
Schloßplatz 3 - 06493 Ballenstedt
St. Peter’s Church is a Protestant church in the village of Opperode, which belongs to the town of Ballenstedt in Saxony-Anhalt. The current building was erected in 1891 in neo-Gothic style from yellow brick after the previous building, which was first mentioned in a document in 1310, was demolished in 1890.
The church tower stands to the west of the nave on a square ground plan and is slightly integrated into the nave. The elongated choir is polygonal in shape. The stained glass windows in the choir, which date from the time the church was built, show Christ as the Good Shepherd, framed by depictions of the apostles Peter and Paul. There is a gallery on the western side of the nave.
An important event in the history of the church was the ceremonial consecration on October 23, 1892, which was attended by the Dowager Duchess of Anhalt-Bernburg. This ceremony emphasized the cultural and historical significance of St. Peter’s Church. The church has a three-part chime, which is one of the oldest in Anhalt.
ADDRESS
Hauptstraße 114, 06493 Ballenstedt OT Opperode
The Protestant church of St. Viti in Badeborn is a hall church with a west tower and a straight, recessed choir. The building dates back to the 13th century and stands on the site of a much older predecessor building. Parts of this original building may still be preserved, such as the star pattern on the east wall.
The simple, rectangular west tower, designed in the late Romanesque style with a slender pointed spire, was largely renovated in 1874, taking Romanesque forms into account. The nave and choir were rebuilt in a Baroque style. A pointed arched window can still be seen on the east wall of the church. The two small entrance vestibules, which are highlighted by a patterned slate covering, also date from 1874. In the St. Viti church there is a well-preserved Romanesque baptismal font, which impresses with its simple beauty.
ADDRESS
Alte Hauptstraße 134 - 06493 Ballenstedt OT Badeborn
The town’s most striking landmark is St. Stephen’s Church. This church was founded in 810 by the first Bishop of Halberstadt, Hildegrim I. After the fall of communism, when the church was close to decay, it was completely renovated and rebuilt with funds from the church, the community and the state. During the renovation work, not only was structural damage repaired, but historical details and artistic elements were also carefully restored. The church now shines again in its full splendor and is a proud symbol of the community’s cohesion and cultural identity.
St. Stephen’s Church is not only a historical landmark, but also an important religious and cultural center of the community. Over the centuries, it has served the community as a place of prayer, devotion and gathering.
Today, St. Stephen’s Church continues to serve as a place of faith and hope for the parishioners.
ADDRESS
Schulstraße & In der Fahrt - 06493 Radisleben
The village church Beatae Mariae Virgines (translated: Blessed Virgin Mary) is located very close to the village pond. Inside is the oldest still-functioning “beehive-like” church bell, which has been in service for over 1000 years, making it the second oldest in Saxony-Anhalt. This church is an important historical monument in the region
The view of the church from the south is particularly impressive and invites visitors to admire the beauty and historical significance of this building. Due to its location and architectural appearance, the village church “Beatae Mariae Virgines” is a place of peace and reflection for locals and visitors alike.
ADDRESS
Am Teich 4 - 06493 Ballenstedt
Along the street of village churches in Neuplatendorf lies a modest church built on the orders of Frederick II, King of Prussia. Its outward appearance may be simple, but inside it holds a certain elegance and historical significance.
The interior of the church is characterized by a wooden hollow vault, which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The late baroque furnishings are simple, yet subtly beautiful. Particularly noteworthy are the altar chandeliers with their curved shafts, which add a touch of grace and sophistication.
ADDRESS
Alte Reihe 2b - 06333 Falkenstein
Wieserode is home to the oldest half-timbered church in the Harz foothills, which was built around 1617. This historic building is not only an architectural treasure, but also an important cultural heritage of the region.
A special feature of the church is its double winged altar, which is decorated with fascinating wooden paintings. These works of art tell stories from the Bible and give the altar a Christian depth.
The church’s galleries are also remarkable as they show images of Jesus’ crusade. These depictions offer visitors an insight into the religious iconography and symbolic meaning of this period.
ADDRESS
Dorfstraße 13 - 06543 Falkenstein/Harz
The The patronage church of the Counts of Asseburg in Meisdorf is centrally located in the town center of Meisdorf and bears witness to the long connection between the Counts of Asseburg and the region. As the family’s second patron saint’s church, it is an important religious and cultural center for the One characteristic of the church is therefore its patronage-lodgewhich was reserved forn counts and theirn family and gave them a privileged view of the altar area. The baroque high altar looks like a masterpiece of art. The parapet paintings depicting the life of Jesus invite visitors to immerse themselves in the biblical stories and reflect on their faith. Its magnificent decoration and historical significance make it a popular destination for visitors and tourists who want to experience the beauty and history of the Selketal want to discover.
ADDRESS
Hauptstraße 51 - 06463 Falkenstein/Harz
St. Niklas Church in Endorf is a characteristic 16th century fieldstone building, which is characterized by its flat shape. Inside the church are valuable works of art that offer an insight into the religious art of past centuries.
Particularly noteworthy is a late Gothic carved altar, which impresses visitors with its detailed craftsmanship.
Another important work of art in St. Niklas Church is a Renaissance epitaph made of stone. This funerary monument is an important testimony to the art of the time.
ADDRESS
Am Schmiedeberg 2 - 06333 Falkenstein
St. John’s Church in Pansfelde is a remarkable building, constructed from quarrystone and featuring a sacristy with a characteristic apsidal shape. This church has a long history and a special connection to the Counts of Asseburg.
As the first patronage church of the Counts of Asseburg, it is not only a religious center, but also a symbol of their close ties to the area. On the south side of the church is a crypt which houses the coffins of the Asseburg family. This crypt is not only a place of rest for the deceased, but also a testimony to the historical importance of the family in the region. St. John’s Church in Pansfelde is therefore not only a place of prayer and devotion, but also a place of remembrance and commemoration of the history of Pansfelde and its influential personalities.
ADDRESS
Lange Str. 47 - 06543 Falkenstein
St. Andrew’s Church in Ermsleben, a district of Sinsleben, presents itself as a charming village church with an impressive square west tower. Despite its modest size, it is home to some fascinating works of art.
Particularly noteworthy is a wooden relief with a medallion portrait of Martin Luther from 1520. This artistic depiction of the reformer provides an insight into the religious and cultural significance of his time and is a valuable testimony to the Reformation.
Another highlight of the church is a life-size carved crucifix. This impressive work of art embodies the central Christian symbolism of Jesus on the cross
ADDRESS
Friedrich Ebert Strasse - 06463 Falkenstein/Harz
The monastery church of St. Sixtus at Konradsburg Castle is an outstanding example of medieval architecture with religious Significance. As part of the Benedictine monastery, which was founded in the 10th century, it has shaped the history of the region. The cruciform basilica has shows parts from its construction around 1200. Its Romanesque architecture with clear lines and huge round arches impresses visitors just as much as its richly decorated altars and works of art. With its design and ornamentation, the five-nave hall crypt is an important example of late Romanesque architecture in the Harz Mountains. For example, lush foliage and tendrils adorn the the capitals of the columns. The church not only served once the monks as a place of prayer, but also still today the community and pilgrims.
ADDRESS
Konradsburg 2 - 06463 Falkenstein/Harz, OT Ermsleben
The parish church of St. Laurentii was rebuilt in 1847, making it the third place of worship in Reinstedt. However, the history of the church goes back much further. In 1175, the village and church were destroyed by Duke Henry the Lion. The church met the same fate during the Peasants’ War on May 29, 1525.
When you enter the church, you immediately notice the appealing, clear lines of the building. The interior of the church is simply designed, but nevertheless impressive. Despite its age, the fire tongue heating still works after 150 years. The organ also still fulfills its purpose. Five stained glass windows have also survived the church’s eventful history and contribute to the wonderful atmosphere of the church.
ADDRESS
06463 Falkenstein/Harz
