In the east of the magical world of the Harz Mountains in northern Germany, the Selke River meanders through a picturesque valley. The Selketalstieg hiking trail runs along the water's edge and accompanies it from its source near Stiege village to Quedlinburg, a town on the edge of the Harz Mountains. The 75-kilometre (46 mile) trail leads you through wide meadow landscapes, steep valleys with scenic cliffs, and natural deciduous forests.

There are many sights worth seeing along the way – old castles and palaces are waiting for you to visit and traces of the region’s mining legacy are begging to be discovered. You cross the tracks of the Selke Valley Railway again and again where you might catch a glimpse of one of the old steam trains chugging through the valley. The Selketalstieg is suitable for both nature lovers looking for peace and quiet and hikers who are interested in history and culture – you find both here in abundance.

The start in the village of Stiege is easily accessible by car. If you travel by train, it is best to first go to Quedlinburg and then take the Selke Valley Railway to Stiege. The stages are planned so that you usually have several accommodation options at the end of the day. As the Selke Valley Railway connects the towns en route, you can easily shorten or skip stages. You can find information about the timetables on the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (HSB) website.

The Selketalstieg can be walked comfortably in both directions and is well waymarked. Occasionally a little surefootedness is required, but the route is perfectly suited to beginners on the whole.