Selkefall, Artificial waterfall in Harzgerode, Germany
Selkefall is an artificial waterfall in Harzgerode where water drops over a series of stone steps and creates a sequence of smaller cascades through the forest. The flow moves across natural rock formations, producing a series of pools and small rapids that visitors encounter along their hiking route.
The waterfall was created between 1828 and 1830 as a byproduct of construction work for the Carlsteich reservoir, which provided water to the Mägdesprung ironworks. What began as a utilitarian engineering project eventually became recognized as a scenic attraction for visitors to the area.
The Upper Selke Valley features this waterfall as a central point where visitors gather to experience the natural elements of the Harz region.
The location can be reached via marked hiking trails from Alexisbad or by parking near federal road B185 for convenient access. The walk to the waterfall is straightforward and requires no special equipment or climbing skills.
During winter, much of the water surface freezes while the flow underneath continues to move, creating striking patterns of ice and running water side by side. This interplay between freezing and flowing transforms the site into a different kind of spectacle depending on the season.
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