The Weißer Stein is a striking rock formation rising up to six metres high, tucked away in the Hofebusch forest near Spitzkunnersdorf in Upper Lusatia. It's a place where geology and legend meet, making it a rewarding stop for anyone exploring the region on foot.

The rock is made mostly of quartzite and flecks of muscovite mica, giving it a pale white to yellowish tone, sometimes shifting to reddish or brown hues. Its steeply tilted layers act as a natural groundwater barrier, which causes nearby springs to dry up in summer. Over time, erosion carved out blocks, rock debris and shaft-like hollows in the stone — including the well-known Karasek Cave. The surrounding forest has a quiet, almost mysterious feel, especially atmospheric in autumn mist or under a light dusting of winter frost.

How to reach the summit

• Spitzkunnersdorf — forest path through the Hofebusch, easy walk, suitable for most visitors

Practical information

• The rock contains the Karasek Cave, linked to the legend of an 18th-century robber chief
• Local folklore claims Karasek buried treasure somewhere at this site

In the late 18th century, the robber captain Johannes Karasek used this rocky massif as a hideout for his gang — and legend still whispers that his treasure lies hidden here somewhere.