Goldbach (Bode)

The Goldbach is a river of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. It is a left tributary of the River Bode, about 30 kilometres (19 mi) long, in the Harz Mountains.

Goldbach
One source of the Goldbach
Location
Country	Germany
State	Saxony-Anhalt
Reference no.	DE: 56852
Physical characteristics
Source
• location	east of Hartenberg fell near Elbingerode
• coordinates	51°47′31″N 10°49′49″E
• elevation	c. 516 m above sea level (NHN)
Mouth
• location	in Wegeleben into the Bode
• coordinates	51°53′20″N 11°10′59″E
Length	34 km (21 mi)[1][2]
Basin size	101 km2 (39 sq mi)[1]
Basin features
Progression	Bode→ Saale→ Elbe→ North Sea

Course

The Goldbach rises east of the uplands of Elbingerode. There are three major headwaters. The longer one, traditionally called Teufelsbach (Devil's Beck), is defined as the upper course, hydrographically. The other one, starting from a spring called Eggeröder Brunnen, traditionally is called Klostergrundbach (Convent Dale Beck) or Goldbach. The third major headwater is the Silberborn or Mönchsbach in Silberborn Valley, passing beneath Michaelstein Abbey. Their confluence is near Mönchemühle (Monks' Mill) in Blankenburg. In spring, the headwaters of the Goldbach can become raging meltwater torrents.

The stream passes under the B 6 federal highway and is joined by some other streams. In the forelands of Harz Mountains, it passes Langenstein and flows below the Spiegelsberge hills through the southern outskirts of Halberstadt. Then it passes through the center of Harsleben and reaches Wegeleben, where it discharges into River Bode.

Fauna

Numerous endangered species live in the Goldbach, such as the brown trout and small shellfish.

Tributaries

• Molkegraben (right)
• Sauteichsgraben (left)

See also

• List of rivers of Saxony-Anhalt