The Hunger Stone in Děčín is one of Central Europe's most haunting historical landmarks — a rock on the bed of the Elbe River that only reveals itself during severe droughts, carrying a centuries-old warning carved in stone. Standing before it feels like receiving a message directly from the past, and the inscription it bears is impossible to forget.

For most of the year the stone rests silently beneath the river's surface, invisible to passers-by. Only when the Elbe drops to critically low levels does it re-emerge, weathered and solemn, on the rocky riverbed near the town of Děčín. The setting itself is atmospheric — the wide, slow-moving river flanked by sandstone hills, the quiet town on its banks, and this ancient slab suddenly breaking the surface like a ghost. Late summer and autumn during dry years offer the best chance of seeing it, though nature sets its own timetable.

How to get there

• Děčín town centre (Elbe riverbank) — riverside walk, easy, visibility depends entirely on current water levels

Practical information

• The stone is only visible when the Elbe River is at very low water levels — check current river gauges before visiting
• The stone bears the German inscription: 'Wenn du mich siehst, dann weine' ('If you see me, weep')
• It was last uncovered during droughts in 2018 and again in 2022

The tradition of hunger stones dates back to the 15th century, when communities carved warnings into riverbeds to alert future generations of impending hardship — making this quiet spot on the Elbe one of the oldest 'living' climate records in Europe.