The Tyrstein is a striking sandstone formation in the south of the Osterholz, a forest area between Derenburg and Blankenburg. It rises 230 meters above sea level and thus around 50 meters above the surrounding Harz foreland. The Tyrstein thus also represents the highest point in the Osterholz.
The name of the cliff refers to Tyr, the one-handed Germanic god of war and law. This was also the protector of the thing, the tribal assembly of the ancient Teutons. It is therefore very likely that the Tyrstein was a meeting place for the Germanic natives of this area in pre-Christian times. In any case, the almost vertically sloping rock edge of more than ten meters would have been an impressive location for all kinds of gatherings.
The Tyrstein (now also "Thyrstein") was called "Tierstein" for centuries and until around the turn of the millennium. Presumably as early as the Middle Ages, on behalf of the new religion - as in many other places - the true name of the rocky cliffs and their former purpose were veiled here as well.
In the past, archaeologists made various finds from prehistoric times in the vicinity of the Tyrstein. A few hundred meters further north there are still various smaller menhirs from the Neolithic era hidden away from the hiking trails in the forest.
Nowadays, more or less well signposted hiking trails lead to the Tyrstein from different directions. A few dozen meters from the cliff there is a rest area with seating and a refuge. From the lookout point you have a view of the Regenstein and Blankenburg, unfortunately somewhat impaired by the vegetation.
Nevertheless, the Tyrstein is an attractive hiking destination. There are few other places where you will find as much peace and quiet as on the way there. Despite their proximity to the heavily trafficked federal road 81, the sandstone cliffs are far off the usual tourist trails.
In the immediate vicinity there are numerous other interesting sandstone formations, such as the "Little Tyrstein" located just a little more than a hundred meters further to the west.