It is a left tributary of the River Bode, about 30 kilometres (19 mi) long, in the Harz Mountains.

The longer one, traditionally called Teufelsbach (Devil's Beck) is defined as the upper course, hydrographically.

In the forelands of Harz Mountains, it passes Langenstein and flows below the Spiegelsberge hills through the southern outskirts of Halberstadt.

Than it passes through the center of Harsleben and reaches Wegeleben, where it discharges into River Bode.

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