Harz Legends: The Königstein at the Devil’s Wall
The ‘Großmutter’ stone of the ‘Königstein’ rock formation of the Devil´s Wall
The Harz Mountains are full of myths, hidden places, and fairytale landscapes.
One of the most striking natural landmarks is the Devil’s Wall, or Teufelsmauer (as it is called in german): a sandstone ridge that stretches for several kilometers along the northern edge of the Harz.
One of the most famous parts of this formation is the Königstein near Weddersleben, a dramatic, walllike rock formation noticeable even from a distance.
What is the Devil’s Wall?
The Devil’s Wall is a long series of jagged sandstone cliffs that have been formed by tectonic uplift and erosionhard about 85 to 65 million years ago during the Cretaceous period.
The formation stretches from Ballenstedt in the southeast via Weddersleben and Rieder to Blankenburg in the northwest, covering around 20 kilometres.
Since 2006 it has even been designated a national geotope and belongs to the UNESCO Geopark Harz – Braunschweiger Land – Östliches Harzvorland.
Parts of it have been protected since 1935 and count among the oldest nature reserves in Germany.
The most famous spots of the Devil´s wall are: the Königstein, the Mittelsteine, and the Hamburger Wappen.
The ‘Königstein’
The Königstein is a dramatic walllike outcrop north of the Bode river between Weddersleben and Neinstedt, stretching for roughly 500 metres northwest to southeast. At its western end stands the prominent Teufel (Devil) or West Tower. Further along rises the Adlerfelsen (Eagle Rock), the highest point of the Königstein. The formation includes other named rock features like Großmutter (Grandmother) and the Lange Wand (Long Wall).
The name ‘Königstein’ descends from Kehnstein, historically meaning “proclamation stone.” Historic visitors include Goethe, who climbed the Königstein in 1784. A ‘Goethe Stone’ on the south side commemorates that visit.
While geology explains its origins, the people of the medieval Harz had their own story.
The Legends of the ‘Königstein’
1. The Devil’s Bet
According to legend, the Devil wanted to claim the fertile Harz lands for himself. So he made a wager with God: if the Devil could build a wall across the region in just one single night, before the first rooster crowed, the land would be his.
Working feverishly, the Devil almost succeeded, but a clever farmer’s wife tricked him by making her rooster crow early. Furious at being cheated, he smashed his unfinished wall to pieces.
The scattered cliffs of the Devil’s Wall are told to be the remains of this unfinished wall.
The Devil´s bet' (AI generated)
2. The Sleeping King
Another story tells of a king who lies asleep inside the Königstein. Cursed or placed under a spell, he waits in slumber until the Harz faces its darkest hour. Only then will he awaken to lead and protect his people. This legend mirrors other German myths of sleeping rulers, such as Emperor Barbarossa in the Kyffhäuser.
‘The sleeping king’ (AI generated)
3. The Devil in Love
A less-known tale speaks of the Devil falling in love with a mortal king’s daughter. She did not return his affection, and in his grief he built a wall to seal her world away. The Königstein, they say, marks the place where she was last seen.
‘The Devil in love’ (AI generated)
4. The Dancing Giants
Some stories claim that giants once roamed the Harz. They gathered on the Königstein to dance, sing, and hurl stones across the land. Their heavy steps and games left behind the fractured rocks and rugged landscape of the Devil’s Wall.
‘The dancing giants’ (AI generated)
Visiting the Königstein
Today, the Königstein is a popular hiking destination. The trail runs along the south side and includes wooden walkways and platforms for safe and accessible viewing. It also includes Stamp No. 188 of the Harzer Wandernadel, a beloved regional system that rewards hikers at specific points with stamps (more details on that in an upcoming post).
To reach the rock itself, visitors must climb several flights of steps. The access is therefore not barrier-free, but it is manageable also for untrained hikers. Dogs, even small ones, can usually join without difficulty – as long as they are reasonably fit. At the foot of the stairs, you’ll find an information board that even includes a short English summary for international visitors.
Practical details:
Entrance: Free of charge
Opening hours: Technically open year-round, 24/7
Lighting: The paths are not illuminated, so visits should be limited to daylight hours. If you plan to stay for sunset – a very popular time for photography – be sure to bring a flashlight for the way back.
Dogs: Allowed, but must be kept on a leash.
Parking: Available at the ‘Teufelsmauer’ parking lot near Weddersleben (see map). Enter Quedlinburger Str. 13, 06502 Thale into your navigation system.
A small gate marks the entrance to the path leading up to the Königstein.Parking fees: €1 for the first hour, €2 for each additional hour.
Payment is coins only – no bills, and most machines do not take cards.
(It’s always a good idea to carry coins when traveling by car in Germany, as many parking meters work with coins only, though a few also accept card.)
Getting there without a car is challenging, since the Devil’s Wall lies in the countryside outside of town.
Follow the Stories
This legend is part of my Folklore Friday series, where I share myths and legends about the Harz Mountains on a regular basis. Follow me on Instagram @harz.unfiltered for the full series, hidden places and local stories brought to life.
