Easy hikes and walks around Lindewerra

Many, many years ago, on Walpurgis Night, when spring was mysteriously weaving in the trees, witches, warlocks, and devils rode on broomsticks, staffs, and billy goats to the Blocksberg in the Harz mountains. There, according to ancient custom, they celebrated their highest festival, the Hellish Church Fair, by dancing, feasting, and drinking. At midnight, when the festival was in full swing, silence was commanded. Satan climbed onto a high rock and delivered a sermon. When he had finished, his listeners jokingly asked him if he was capable of carrying the boulder that had served as his pulpit to the Meißner, located on the left bank of the Werra, without resting even once. "A trifle for me," bleated the Black One, made a funny grimace, and scraped with his horse's hoof out of exuberance. Some doubted and said: "What's the bet?" - When the hellish dance was over, the devil grabbed the rock and shot towards the Meißner like an arrow. A while everything went well, but with time the evil one felt that he had overestimated his strength. He began to sweat, groaning and moaning, because the boulder increased in weight with every second. Finally, completely exhausted, the Höhberg was reached. Just a stone's throw more, and he would be on the Meißner and have won his bet. However, it was no longer possible. He had to rest and thought he could do so quietly in this deserted area, where no one could see him. He descended from the height, stretched his limbs in the grass, and fell asleep. Soon, however, he was disturbed by the cries of witches, "Hey Hans, you braggart, you're only here now!" cried a little witch on her broomstick. Startled and angry at being caught in this way, he shot into the air and tore her to pieces. Then, without further concern for the rock, he plunged into the depths with a terrible roar and sought his hellish grave in the waters of the Werra. The river, however, shuddered and turned aside, and still flows today in the shape of a mighty horseshoe. The people who learned of this strange story called this rock "The Devil's Pulpit" from that time on.(…v. Infotafel)

Besides the great view, the castle itself is always worth a trip.

If you start the tour here with children, they might not want to leave. Beautiful place. The bronze devil is amazing.

High above the Werra Valley stands Hanstein Castle, one of the most beautiful castle ruins in Central Germany. A castle was built here as early as the 11th century, and for centuries it served as a strategic stronghold and residence for noble families. Today, you can admire the impressive remains of towers and walls and enjoy the view over Thuringia and Hesse.

Lindewerra is picturesquely situated in the Werraboecht, but until 1989, this village was one of the most heavily guarded areas in the GDR. The Werra River formed the border here; the bridge had been blown up, and the village lay in the middle of the restricted zone – sealed off by fences, watchtowers, and the infamous Kolonnenweg (Colonel Road). From Hesse, visitors could literally look into the closed-off Lindewerra at the time. Today, you can walk along the same paths once used by border guards. Information panels, viewpoints, and the Schifflersgrund Border Museum tell the story of division and reunification. Where barbed wire once stood, the Green Belt now runs – a unique natural and memorial landscape.

Lindewerra is picturesquely situated in the Werraboecht, but until 1989, this village was one of the most heavily guarded areas in the GDR. The Werra River formed the border here; the bridge had been blown up, and the village lay in the middle of the restricted zone – sealed off by fences, watchtowers, and the infamous Kolonnenweg (Colonel Road). From Hesse, visitors could literally look into the closed-off Lindewerra at the time. Today, you can walk along the same paths once used by border guards. Information panels, viewpoints, and the Schifflersgrund Border Museum tell the story of division and reunification. Where barbed wire once stood, the Green Belt now runs – a unique natural and memorial landscape.

From the rest area there is a beautiful view of Hanstein Castle.

What a charming and lovely place to stop for refreshments up here on the Teufelskanzel! 👍 I really like the place and the food was delicious too.