Güntersberge: Mountain Lake, Selke and Hiking

Güntersberge is a state-recognized resort on the banks of the Selke. Specific points of reference for a stay include the mountain lake, also known as Mühlenteich, the Katzsohlteich on the edge of town, the Selketal Railway and the church. For your travel planning, it helps to distinguish between these places: the mountain lake combines the history of the pond with a connection to the railway; at Katzsohlteich, hiking and the stamp point take center stage.

Waterfront spots and the mountain lake

The mountain lake, also known as Mühlenteich, was originally created as a mining pond in 1752. It is 125 meters long and 12 meters wide; these dimensions make its elongated shape clear. Fishing and rowing are enjoyed at the mountain lake. The Teichdamm geological outcrop is also located at the mountain lake. The same body of water thus brings together its history, different uses and a geological feature.

Hiking and the railway

Katzsohlteich is located on the edge of Güntersberge; stamp point 172 of the Harzer Wandernadel hiking network is there. A short hike to the pond starts at the parking lot by the mountain lake, initially follows a signposted circular trail and then turns off toward the pond. The mountain lake is therefore the starting point, while Katzsohlteich is the hiking destination with the stamp point.

The 75-kilometer-long Selketal Trail passes directly through Güntersberge. Compared with the short hike to Katzsohlteich, this is a much longer route option. Check the current status of the Selketal Trail before setting out.

The Selketal Railway passes right along the south shore of the mountain lake, providing a photo opportunity for railway enthusiasts. The railway is thus directly beside one of the named waterfront spots.

Church history

The church brings Güntersberge’s earlier history to life in a different way. Its predecessor was destroyed in the town fire of 1856. The Neo-Romanesque church, consecrated in 1871, incorporates the predecessor building’s Baroque north portal and the gravestone of the last Catholic parish priest before the Reformation. The portal connects a Baroque architectural element with the later Neo-Romanesque building; the gravestone takes the story further back, to the pre-Reformation period. The destruction, new building and surviving elements can thus be viewed as distinct historical layers.

Additional destinations in the wider Harzgerode travel region

In the wider Harzgerode travel region, the castle offers its own historical focus. It was rebuilt between 1549 and 1552 and served as the residence of the Anhalt princely house’s Harzgerode line from 1635 to 1709. This Renaissance building has a stair tower and a round tower. St. Mary’s Church in Harzgerode also belongs to this historical context; it is a Baroque building dating from 1697 to 1699.

The Carlswerk in Mägdesprung offers a different perspective on history. Mechanical processing machines from the first half of the 20th century and a wooden crane from 1890 have been preserved there in their original condition. Lockers, workbenches and employees’ vacation postcards illustrate the working culture of the early industrial age. The Harzgerode Advent trails return annually on the second Sunday of Advent; dates and programs vary.

Discover more travel destinations: Neudorf, Dankerode, Siptenfelde, Alexisbad, Schielo.

Return to the wider travel overview: Harzgerode.