Waldhofmännchenweg as a circular route

Short Description

The 4 km long Waldhofmännchenweg is a section of the Selketal-Stieg and connects Alexisbad with the Waldhof Silberhütte.

In this circular route version, the Waldhofmännchenweg extends to approximately 11 km.

Description

Along the way, 18 wooden Waldhofmännchen await visitors with information about the nature park. In addition to the Waldhofmännchen, 11 newly designed information boards serve as forest educational stations, providing insights into the forest, forestry, and regional history.

Through playful knowledge transfer, the hiking trail is particularly suitable for families with children.

The Waldhof Silberhütte was opened in 1998 on the Day of the Tree. Environmental education is a focal point there, addressing topics such as the forest, forestry, mining, charcoal burning, and the regional history at the former hut location. Naturally, the extensive grounds also feature benches and play equipment. The carrier is the Waldhofverein Silberhütte e. V.

The Harz Regional Association is the sponsor of the Harz Nature Park and responsible for the UNESCO Global Geopark Harz · Braunschweiger Land · Ostfalen.

Route Description

Directly on Bundesstraße 242 at the edge of Alexisbad, the Waldhofmännchenweg and Selketalstieg gently ascend from the Selke Valley. Shortly before Hänichen, the Waldhofmännchenweg branches off to the left from the Selketalstieg and circumnavigates the Mühlköpfe. A nearly straight section follows as the so-called chimney line, leading to a historically informative viewpoint on Silberhütte. From there, the path descends quite steeply, sometimes with stairs, into the Selke Valley. After crossing the bridge over the Selke and the Selketal Railway line, you reach the Waldhof in Silberhütte.

With the Selketal Railway, you can return from Silberhütte to Alexisbad in just one station. Alternatively, you can walk about 6.5 km from Silberhütte, roughly parallel to the county road, back to the train station in Alexisbad, passing by the Verlobungsurne.

Further Information

Harzgerode City Information
Schlossplatz 3
06493 Harzgerode
Tel. 039484 7476123
[email protected]
www.harzgerode.de

or through the Harz Regional Association under https://www.harzregion.de/de/naturpark/infotafeln/thematisch/waldhof-silberhuette.html

Directions

Alexisbad via B185 from the northern Harz edge or B242 from the southern Harz edge

Silberhütte via B242 and L234

Parking Information

Alexisbad at the Selketal Railway station

Silberhütte at Waldhof

Safety Information

Not accessible in snow and ice, not cleared.

Equipment

Solid hiking shoes, weather- and hike-proof clothing.