The Schmiedesteine are a striking group of granodiorite rocks on the southern flank of the Hahneberg, right on the edge of the town of Neusalza-Spremberg. Legend has it that a devil's forge once stood here, and oddly shaped stones are still pointed out today as the devil's blacksmith tools.
The highest point rises around 10 meters above the base of the slope, and the rocks feature carved steps in places, making them a popular viewpoint and practice site for climbers. Mighty pedunculate oaks, small-leaved limes, sycamore maples and larches surround the site, giving it an atmospheric, almost fairy-tale character in every season - especially in autumn colors or under a winter frost. Since 1925 a natural stage has stood on a plateau above the main rock massif, still used today for open-air theatre and concerts.
How to get thereOlder research suggests the site was once a Slavic pagan cult place with a sacred grove, and the local devil's forge legend still draws visitors intrigued by its mysterious past.