Güntersberge is a state-recognised holiday resort on the banks of the Selke. The mountain lake, Katzsohlteich pond and Harzer Wandernadel offer specific reasons to choose it as a destination. Other attractions include the Selketalbahn railway running along the south shore of the mountain lake, a hiking trail through the town and a church that preserves parts of its predecessor building. Water, hiking and local history thus shape the area’s distinctive attractions.

Mountain Lake: Dimensions, Uses and the Selketalbahn

The mountain lake, also known as Mühlenteich, was originally created as a mining pond in 1752. At 125 metres long and 12 metres wide, it is a long, narrow body of water. It is used for fishing and rowing; the Teichdamm outcrop is also located at the mountain lake (Mühlteich). The Selketalbahn passes directly along the south shore, offering a photo opportunity for railway enthusiasts.

Katzsohlteich Pond and Hiking Trails

Katzsohlteich pond, with Harzer Wandernadel stamp point 172, lies on the outskirts of Güntersberge. There is a rest area there, and the pond is used as a receiving water and for fishing. A short hike there starts at the car park by the mountain lake, initially follows a signposted circular trail and then turns off towards the pond. The two places offer different focal points: at the mountain lake, the main attractions are fishing, rowing and the railway photo opportunity; at Katzsohlteich pond, they are the stamp point, rest area and short hike.

The 75-kilometre Selketal-Stieg trail passes directly through Güntersberge and offers a different scale of hike from the short walk to Katzsohlteich pond. Check the current route status before setting out.

Church History in Güntersberge

The predecessor building of today’s church in Güntersberge was destroyed in the town fire of 1856. The present Neo-Romanesque church was consecrated in 1871. It incorporates the predecessor building’s Baroque north portal and the gravestone of the last Catholic parish priest before the Reformation. The destruction of the older building and the preserved elements thus form a chronological sequence: the town fire was followed by the consecration of the new building, which incorporated these historic features.

In the wider Harzgerode destination

In the wider Harzgerode destination, the natural toboggan run descends for 1,100 metres, winding in several curves from the Harzgerode plateau into the Selke Valley and down to the promenade in Alexisbad; along the way, it drops around 75 metres in elevation. When there is enough snow, the route is suitable for sledging; when there is too little snow, it can also be used for a winter hike. Harzgerode Castle is a Renaissance building with a stair tower and a round tower. It was rebuilt between 1549 and 1552 and served as the residence of the Harzgerode branch of the Anhalt princely house from 1635 to 1709.

At the HARZKUGELEUM in the castle, a beechwood ball takes visitors through various themed worlds. Through its shape and weight, it conveys information about the Lower Harz, mining, nature, and local and regional history through the ages. The Harzgerode Advent trails also return every year on the second Sunday of Advent; the date and programme vary.

Discover More Destinations

Siptenfelde, Alexisbad, Schielo, Neudorf, Dankerode

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Harzgerode.