Easy hikes and walks around Arenshausen

Many, many years ago, on Walpurgis Night, when spring was mysteriously weaving in the trees, witches, warlocks, and devils rode on broomsticks, staffs, and billy goats to the Blocksberg in the Harz mountains. There, according to ancient custom, they celebrated their highest festival, the Hellish Church Fair, by dancing, feasting, and drinking. At midnight, when the festival was in full swing, silence was commanded. Satan climbed onto a high rock and delivered a sermon. When he had finished, his listeners jokingly asked him if he was capable of carrying the boulder that had served as his pulpit to the Meißner, located on the left bank of the Werra, without resting even once. "A trifle for me," bleated the Black One, made a funny grimace, and scraped with his horse's hoof out of exuberance. Some doubted and said: "What's the bet?" - When the hellish dance was over, the devil grabbed the rock and shot towards the Meißner like an arrow. A while everything went well, but with time the evil one felt that he had overestimated his strength. He began to sweat, groaning and moaning, because the boulder increased in weight with every second. Finally, completely exhausted, the Höhberg was reached. Just a stone's throw more, and he would be on the Meißner and have won his bet. However, it was no longer possible. He had to rest and thought he could do so quietly in this deserted area, where no one could see him. He descended from the height, stretched his limbs in the grass, and fell asleep. Soon, however, he was disturbed by the cries of witches, "Hey Hans, you braggart, you're only here now!" cried a little witch on her broomstick. Startled and angry at being caught in this way, he shot into the air and tore her to pieces. Then, without further concern for the rock, he plunged into the depths with a terrible roar and sought his hellish grave in the waters of the Werra. The river, however, shuddered and turned aside, and still flows today in the shape of a mighty horseshoe. The people who learned of this strange story called this rock "The Devil's Pulpit" from that time on.(…v. Infotafel)

A good starting point for a tour

It can be done easily.

A very nice spot above the Heidkopf tunnel

If you start the tour here with children, they might not want to leave. Beautiful place. The bronze devil is amazing.

What a charming and lovely place to stop for refreshments up here on the Teufelskanzel! 👍 I really like the place and the food was delicious too.

Due to its location, the inn has a rather small menu, which is posted on the building. There are a few small dishes such as minced meat or cheese platters, soups, but often also two or three regular hot dishes that change frequently. The cuisine remains consistently regional. Prices are somewhat higher, but not excessively expensive considering the location and the effort involved in transporting the food by regular car. You can sit comfortably in the beer garden under trees and umbrellas with a view of the Teufelskanzel (Devil's Pulpit) or in the rustic inn. The restrooms are in a separate building, and the door is usually open, contrary to the signs on site. Unlike the official opening hours, the inn was open from 11:00 AM (instead of 12:00 PM) when we visited.

Pilgrim's path, beautiful uphill from Kirchgandern up to the chapel.