グロースアルメローデの天然記念物・トップ20

For the Niester giants, the giant legend of the two castles Sichelnstein and Sensenstein is spun on. Burg Sensenstein, which prevented Otto the Quaden from invading Hesse, was a thorn in his side. In his anger he made a pact with the devil. In exchange for his soul, the devil threw a huge stone at the Scythe Stone. But he was protected by God and the stone fell into the Niestetal. The devil flew away, but Otto did not give up and made a pact with the giants. At night they should sneak to the scythe stone and smash it. However, the forest around the castle was protected by a ghost and his dwarves and elves. They confronted the giants, but when they attacked anyway, the spirit froze them and grew into mighty trees. The real story, however, is a bit less spectacular. The Niester Riesen is a test area from 1887. At that time, the Kaufunger Forest forestry office planted various exotic species on behalf of Prussia in order to investigate the growth and wood quality of exotic tree species. The Niester giants are actually a scenic highlight, as they are in the middle of the normal forest and the site with the redwoods, Douglas firs and more clearly stands out. The small (yet somehow large) arboretum is enhanced by information boards.

This is certainly one of the most beautiful vantage points in the area. In the foreground is the horseshoe-shaped Werra loop and behind it the Hessian mountains build up. On the right you can see Ludwigstein Castle, opposite is the Kaufunger Forest and on the left is the Hohe Meissner.

A trip to the huge trees is worthwhile. The pictures do not really capture the actual size. They are gigantic 🌳

Impressive giant trees can be admired here.

A rarity in Northern Europe - go there, touch, smell and enjoy

Beautiful hiking trail with cultural delicacies

From the Teufelskanzel you have a great view of the Werra valley. According to legend, the red sandstone rock got there because the devil made a bet with the witches. He wanted to carry the rock from the Brocken to the Meißner without putting it down once. But that was too tedious for him and so he paused on the Höhenberg and was caught by the witches. He then got very angry and left without paying any more attention to the rock.

You don't see what kind of trees every day. Must see!