Itz Spring

The name of the small farming village of Stelzen was first mentioned 681 years ago (1340) in the Hennebergisches Urbar and was already known far beyond the country's borders in the Middle Ages. The reason for this and also for the origin of the place name was the Itzquelle, which was famous far and wide. The Itzquelle was once a place of worship for the goddess Idisa and later a place of pilgrimage. There is a legend about a healing spring. Those healed are said to have left their crutches and stilts behind, hence the village's name. These "stilts" were already gone in 1853. The source was set in stone for the first time in 1758, the version was renewed in 1927, reduced in size in the 1950s and created in its current form in 1984.Source: stadt-eisfeld.de/seite/428075/stelzen.html

Today this spot is known as the source of the Itz and is a very popular hiking destination. An attraction for guests from near and far is the annual Itzquellenfest. This takes place in the spring grotto between the edge of the forest and the church, which is a quiet place in the shade of mighty beeches.Source: stadt-eisfeld.de/seite/428075/stelzen.html

The water is said to have healing powers, presumably from the Ev. Church. Ideal for topping up water. Very nice grotto!