Die Heidenfelsen

The Heidenfelsen are two rocks of a former Roman temple, located in the woods between Kindsbach and Landstuhl next to a spring. They are the best preserved spring sanctuaries of Central Europe which are still on their original site. They date back to the second century A.D.

The extras show the left rock, which was already described in 1821.
The main blip shows the right rock, which was discovered 1903 by students; it was turned around after the students discovered it. In 1907 leftovers of a temple were found.

It is difficult to interpret the figures on the rocks, as there are no written records concerning them. They probably represent Pagan deities and human sacrifice.

The legend says that the springwater was helpful in treating certain eye ailments. Today the spring water is led downhill in a wooden channel.

Down the hill once was a pottery. Several finds are in the Historic Museum in Speyer on display (on my list).

From Kindsbach it's a less than 2 km walk through the woods on a very small but beautiful path. On the path I collected chestnuts until all my bags and pockets were full.

I don't remember the last time I visited the Heidenfelsen, perhaps some 40 years ago. Altogether, for me it was a spirit-lifting walk today.

Heidenfelsen - Westpfalz-Wiki (sorry, German only)

19:30; 14°C