Die Klippen vom Hohenstein

The Hohenstein cliffs in Hessisch Oldendorf are considered one of the highlights of the hiking area in western Weserbergland. Germanic tribes, Cherusci and Saxons once worshipped their gods on this mysterious stone cliff from bygone times. Don't miss the sight of the cliffs plunging 50 meters into the depths, which give you goosebumps when you look down. So rather look into the distance and enjoy the magnificent view over the lovely Weser Valley.

This high plateau with its 50-metre steep cliffs is of such natural importance that it was placed under protection in 1930. The impressive limestone cliff face, including the slag heap, is also one of the most important plant habitats in northern Germany; rare plants such as the spectacled peony, peony carnation, mountain leek, Austrian rocket and others can be found here.

In Germanic times, Hohenstein was a place of worship dedicated to the spring goddess Ostara. An old runic tablet made of baked clay, which was found around 1500 on the eastern side of the plateau near the so-called "Green Altar", bears witness to the cult of Ostara. This must have been a main shrine, as foreign conquerors fought bloody battles in the vicinity of the "Hohenstein". In particular, the battle between Widukind and Charlemagne's Frankish army in 782 in the deeply incised valley on the west side of the Hohenstein, which has since been called the "Totental", deserves special attention.

The stream that flows through the Totental also commemorates this event with its name "Blutbach". After the forced baptism of the Germanic tribes by the Franks, Hohenstein lost its significance as a Germanic place of worship.

The "Devil's Pulpit" is located between the "Green Altar" and the actual Hohenstein. It is one of the most striking rocks in the popular hiking area and is also known as the "Trudenstein". Just like the "Green Altar", the "Devil's Pulpit" is said to have served as a sacrificial altar for our ancestors. Stones measuring around 8 meters across have been erected near the rocky outcrop, suggesting that it was once a sacrificial site.

Today, the area around Hohenstein is a popular hiking destination for many visitors.