Rock formations in the Steinwald Nature Park
The rough side of the Stone Forest
As the name "Stone Forest" suggests,The landscape of the nature park is characterized by rocks and forests.Mighty rock towers shimmering in cold colors makeThe Stone Forest is a true rock paradise. The bedrock is granite. It was formedabout 285 millionyears and today it is surrounded by many myths.The rocks are clearly marked by nature: wind and weather have worked the granite over centuries, creating remarkable natural treasures whose shape, upon closer inspection, often resembles a mythical creature or animal. Even the famous poet and thinkerJohann Wolfgang von Goethe stopped in the Steinwald and Fichtelgebirge mountains during his travels. Granite had fascinated him since his youth.
We have compiled a selection of the most beautiful rocks in the center of the Stone Forest.
Zipfeltannenfelsen
The "Stone Forest Sphinx" belongs to the Zipfeltannen rock massif. Due to its appearance, it is one of the most famous rocks in the Stone Forest Nature Park. If you look closely, you'll even spot the sphinx head in the Stone Forest logo.
Location:
southern Stone Forest
Accessibility:The rock is a 5-minute walk from the hiking car park in Pfaben near Erbendorf and via the
Hiking trails:
- Forest history trail
- Goldsteig access path no. 2A (Waldeck-Vogelfelsen Trail)
Tour tip:
Great rock hike
(without uniform marking)
Cycling routes:
MTB route:
Steinwald Trail Loop
Gravel bike route:
Legendary Stone Route
(MTB 4)
Picnic service:The Zipfeltannenfelsen is an official picnic area, by the way. You can have a pre-packed picnic basket delivered to the rock. Learn more
Saubadfelsen
At the Hoher Saubad (858 m above sea level), a steep heap of angular granite rocks erupts from the summit and plunges down. This sea of boulders slowly moves downhill as the "Steinerner Glacier." Therefore, there is no vegetation there. However, the cavities in the rock provide a suitable habitat, especially for many small animals. A staircase leads to the summit, which offers excellent views of the western part of the region.
Location:
southern Stone Forest
Hiking and cycling trails (200 meters away):
- Forest history trail
- Goldsteig access path no. 2A (Waldeck-Vogelfelsen Trail)
- Legendary Stone Route / MTB 4
Tour tip:Great rock hike
(without uniform marking)
Cycling routes:
MTB route:
Steinwald Trail Loop
Gravel bike route:
Legendary Stone Route
(MTB 4)
In the immediate vicinity is the Waldhaus (refreshments available) and a red deer enclosure.
Hackelstein
The Hackelstein is Fuchsmühl's local mountain. It's an easily accessible hiking destination. Thanks to a climbing facility, the imposing granite castle can be easily climbed. The rock rises up to 15 meters high from the earth. Since May 2020, a fairy village has adorned the rock. Around 40 enchanting houses are hidden in the niches of the rock castle.
To commemorate the Battle of the Wood, a festival specially created for this occasion takes place here every ten years. The clash between the Fuchsmühlers and the Amberg Infantry Regiment 124 years ago is reenacted against the rocky backdrop.
Below the Hackelstein lies the Augsburger Felsen massif, a popular climbing rock.
Location:
Eastern Stone Forest
Trail:
Franconian Mountain Trail
Tour tip:
Circular hiking trail to Hackelstein
(without uniform marking)
Hiking parking spaces:
- Hiking car park Chapel of Maria Frieden, Steinwaldstraße, Fuchsmühl
- Hiking car park Forsthaus Fuchsmühl, Hackelsteinstraße, Fuchsmühl
Lapwing Stone
The Kiebitzstein (Kiebitz Stone) is a special geotope in the Steinwald Nature Park. It is located approximately 100 meters from the Weißenstein Castle ruins. It is a rounded and curved rock formation that has slipped from its base, creating a walkable rock arch.
From the gate, one can unnoticed observe hikers as they ascend to the castle, thus playing the role of lapwing – hence the name.
Location:
The Kiebitzstein is located in the center of the Steinwald, about 100 meters from the Weißenstein castle ruins.
Trail:
Goldsteig Stage 1(Marktredwitz - Friedenfels)
Reiseneggerfelsen (Steinschlatter)
The Reiseneggerfelsen, or Steinschlatter, is a mighty granite rock formation. A viewing platform is located on its ridge overlooking the Steinwald forest. This large rock formation is located near the Waldhaus restaurant at an elevation of 846 meters.
Location:
western Stone Forest
Trail:
South Route
Tour tip:Great rock hike
(without uniform marking)
Robber Rock, Bird Rock & Council Rock
The three rock castles offer 20 climbing routes with varying levels of difficulty from 1 to 8 . Further information can be found in the Climb.
There is also an emergency helicopter landing pad near these rocks.
Location:
southwestern Stone Forest
Hiking trails:
- Small rock hike
- Goldsteig access path no. 2A (Waldeck-Vogelfelsen Trail)
Tour tip:
Great rock hike
(without uniform marking)
MTB route:
Steinwald Trail Loop
Gravel bike route:
Legendary Stone Route
(MTB 4)
Haferdeckfelsen
Surrounded by numerous mighty beech trees, the Haferdeckfelsen rock towers over a pond. It is one of the most popular rock formations around Friedenfels and is a great place to linger.
Location:
southeastern Stone Forest
Hiking and cycling trails:
Devil's Stone
The legendary Devil's Stone is the largest granite monolith in a group of rocks. These granite blocks were transported to their present location during the Ice Age (Pleistocene) by repeated thawing and freezing phases. On the upper side of the granite block, a weathering depression is visible, the so-called "Druid's Bowl." There, beautiful and sometimes rare lichens (red-flowering Cladonia lichen and the lobed pustule lichen) can be found. Furthermore, behind the Devil's Stone lies a wet and lean meadow with valuable plants and insects.
Origin of the name: According to legend, the granite colossus was thrown here by the devil in a fit of rage after learning from a passing woman how many pairs of shoes she had worn on the way from Fuchsmühl to here. He intended to throw the boulder at the Fuchsmühl pilgrimage church.
