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Between 1550 and 1680, around 400 people were executed in the County of Schaumburg for alleged witchcraft. The witch trials, which claimed the lives of both women and men, were conducted in the villages by the local courts. In Schaumburg, some judges, at the request of the accused, ordered the so-called water ordeal to be carried out "to ascertain the truth," because according to traditional beliefs, water repelled evil, meaning witches would float and innocent people would sink. During the water ordeal, the accused were tied to a rope and lowered into the water before the eyes of the judges and numerous onlookers, invariably producing the desired result. The records cynically note: "swims like a goose." The accused then usually resigned themselves to their fate and gave the "confession" required for execution. The two witches' ponds east of Schaumburg Castle are historically documented and were very likely the actual site of these terrifying spectacles. They lie somewhat hidden in the forest, about 50 meters below the path.

The Great Crater and the Crater Fountain are among Bad Nenndorf's most striking landmarks and are closely linked to the spa town's history. They serve as reminders of the town's unique geological features and the use of the healing brine that made Bad Nenndorf famous far beyond the region. The Great Crater is a visually impressive relic of the former brine extraction. Natural geological processes brought saline water to the surface here, forming a crater-like depression over time. This brine was the foundation for Bad Nenndorf's development as a health resort. Today, the Great Crater is a protected natural and cultural monument that captivates visitors with its unusual shape and tranquil atmosphere. The Crater Fountain is located nearby, further emphasizing the importance of the brine within the townscape. The fountain incorporates the historical use of the brine and combines it with modern design. It serves not only as an eye-catching feature but also as a symbol of the spa town's healing tradition.

The fire pond on the Mühlenbach stream lies idyllically in the Bückeberg hills and is a tranquil, natural spot amidst the wooded hills. Fed by the Mühlenbach, the pond blends harmoniously into its surroundings and is now an integral part of the landscape of this region. Surrounded by trees and gentle hills, it invites hikers and walkers to take a short break and offers a peaceful place to enjoy nature. The pond owes its name to its original function as a water reservoir for firefighting. In times before centralized water supplies, such fire ponds were of great importance, especially in heavily forested areas. They provided readily available water for firefighting in emergencies, thus contributing to the protection of the surrounding villages and forests. Today, the fire pond is primarily of ecological and scenic significance. It provides habitat for amphibians, insects, and waterfowl and contributes to the diversity of flora and fauna in the Bückeberg hills. At the same time, it is a quiet meeting point in the region's network of hiking trails and uniquely combines nature, history and recreation in one of the most beautiful forest landscapes of the Schaumburg region.

Waterlogged little pond. Well, just a pond. Used to be better maintained

Stamping points for the Deister hiking pass ~ No. 1 trout pond (stamp was permanently removed due to vandalism. As a replacement, you will find a code outside the refuge that you can enter in the pass instead of the stamp)

The path through the Erlengrund was redesigned in 2022 and has become very beautiful. The Carl-Thon-Weg was also restored, the bridges were rebuilt and it is open again.

A wonderful, shady place for a rest. A small detour from the street and you are in another world.

The park, laid out between 1911 and 1925, languished for many years and has recently been "restored". A touch of the state garden show, which is to take place in Nenndorf in 2026, can be experienced there up close: new paths laid out, bridge stabilized with fresh wood, shelter built, goldfish placed in the pond - all very dignified and with a high recreational value. Only benches are still missing, but should come soon. The source and a children's forest with the names of the newborns from the years 2020 and 2021 are located above the Erlengrund. and pause. It remains to be wished that the construction work at the Waldgaststätte Cecilienhöhe will soon be finished and that coffee and cake will be offered there. If you are good on foot, you have to make the detour to the Mooshütte at the moment. Reservations are sometimes highly recommended.