Geographical significance:
The Three-Country Stone marks the exact point where the three federal states of Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, and Lower Saxony meet.
It is a historic border stone from the Prussian era (19th century), which is now supplemented by modern signage.
Historical significance:
The stone used to mark the border between the Kingdom of Prussia, the Duchy of Brunswick, and the County of Hohenstein, or later the small Thuringian states.
During the division of Germany (1949–1990), the inner-German border ran here: Thuringia was part of the GDR, while Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt (which still existed until 1952) belonged to the FRG.
Particularly controversial: The stone lay directly on the former inner-German border. Observation towers, minefields, and checkpoints existed nearby.
After reunification, the site became a symbol of unity and the overcoming of borders.
Today:
The stone is a popular hiking destination and a site for commemorative events.
Information panels on site explain the historical development.
It is a milestone of the "Green Belt," a nature conservation project established along the former border.