Alexisbad

The spa in Alexisbad

Alexisbad is a small spa town of Germany, in the municipality of Harzgerode, and the district of Harz, Saxony-Anhalt, lying in the outskirts of the Harz Mountains, 1000 ft. above sea level. It has its own station on the narrow-gauge steam railway from Gernrode to Harzgerode (part of the Selke Valley Railway). Population: 42.

Alexisbad is celebrated for its medicinal waters, of which the Alexisbrunnen, an iron-rich spring, is used for drinking water, while the Selkebrunnen supplies the baths, which are of use in feminine disorders. It was founded in 1810 by Duke Alexius of Anhalt-Bernburg, and became fashionable in the late 19th century.

Tourism

The Köthener Hut

The economy of the village is dominated by tourism. There are several hotels, pensions and restaurants. Hiking trails lead into the attractive local countryside. Typical destinations are the:

• The Betrothal Urn (Verlobungsurne) - a monument at a good viewing point above the town (checkpoint 177 in the Harzer Wandernadel hiking system).
• The Luisentempel
• The Köthener Hut (Köthener Hütte) - checkpoint 195 in the Harzer Wandernadel hiking system. The hut may be reached on a steep zigzag path that runs from the B 185 road below where there is a small, unsigned, parking bay. Otherwise walkers need to start from Alexisbad, Harzgerode or Mägdesprung.

References

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.