Devil's Wall in the Harz Mountains

It looks like the spine of a long-lost world: rugged sandstone cliffs, jagged towers, and mysterious crevices cutting across the landscape like a scar. The Devil’s Wall (Teufelsmauer) in the northern foothills of the Harz Mountains is not only a striking geological monument, but also a place shrouded in myths and legends.

Despite its name, the Devil’s Wall is not one continuous rock formation but a chain of spectacular sandstone outcrops stretching over 20 kilometers (as the crow flies) through Saxony-Anhalt. These bizarre rock formations appear in three main sections, now connected by the 35 km Teufelsmauerstieg hiking trail.

Gegensteine near Ballenstedt – The Eastern Beginning

In the east, near Ballenstedt, the Gegensteine rise from the hills as two standalone rock towers. They’re not only geologically fascinating but also offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Weddersleben & Timmenrode – The Heart of the Devil’s Wall

The central and most famous section is near Weddersleben, where the Papensteine, Mittelsteine, and Königsstein form a dramatic line of rock – like pearls on a string. Nearby in Timmenrode, you’ll find the "Hamburger Wappen", one of the Harz’s most popular photo spots. Right next to it is the Devil’s Hole, a mysterious cave hidden within the rocks, steeped in local legend.

Blankenburg – Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks

At the western end, the Großvater (Grandfather) and Großmutter (Grandmother) rocks near Blankenburg rise impressively from the ground and rank among the most beloved viewpoints in the region.

The Devil’s Wall was formed about 85 million years ago, when tectonic forces thrust layers of sandstone vertically upward. Over the millennia, erosion, wind, and weather shaped the bizarre formations we see today. As early as the 19th century, parts of the wall were recognized as natural landmarks and placed under protection. Since 2006, the entire formation has been classified as a National Geotope.

Its dramatic appearance has inspired numerous legends. According to the most well-known tale, the Devil once tried to divide the world with a wall, but a rooster crowed too early, spoiling his plan. In a rage, the Devil destroyed the wall before it was finished – leaving behind only the scattered rock remnants we marvel at today.

The Devil’s Wall is located in the northern foothills of the Harz Mountains in Saxony-Anhalt, between the towns of Ballenstedt, Rieder, Weddersleben, Timmenrode, and Blankenburg. The region is easily accessible by both car and public transport.

By Car

The most convenient way to reach the Devil’s Wall by car is via the B6n (exit Quedlinburg/Thale) or the B81 (exit Blankenburg). Several hiking car parks are available on-site – for example at the Hamburger Wappen near Timmenrode, along Teufelsmauerstraße in Weddersleben, or near the Gegensteine in Ballenstedt. The access roads are well signposted.

Free parking lots for hikers can be found at the Hamburger Wappen (Timmenrode), Teufelsmauerstraße (Weddersleben), or at the Großvaterfelsen near Blankenburg.

By Public Transport

From Quedlinburg, regular trains and buses run to Thale, Neinstedt, and Blankenburg. The stops are within walking distance of the Devil’s Wall. The section near Weddersleben is particularly easy to reach – it's just a short walk from the bus stop "Weddersleben, Mitte" to the first rock formations.