Hirschsprung, Bronze memorial statue in Höllental gorge, Germany
Hirschsprung is a bronze stag statue standing at the entrance of a narrow gorge in the Höllental valley, where rock walls rise steeply above the Rotbach stream. The figure stands roughly 2.5 meters tall and sits at a point where the gorge narrows to just a few meters wide.
The first wooden monument was erected in 1856 to commemorate a royal wedding. It was later replaced by a bronze statue in 1907, marking a shift toward a more permanent and durable tribute.
A local legend tells of a knight from Falkenstein Castle pursuing a stag that leaped across the narrow gorge to escape. This story remains central to how people understand and experience this dramatic landscape.
The location sits within a narrow gorge with steep rock walls, making access challenging and sturdy footwear essential. Prepare for damp and cool conditions, as moisture from the stream and limited sunlight affect the microclimate throughout the year.
The restored statue contains a time capsule sealed within the bronze, placed there during its recent renovation work. It also sits at a municipal boundary between two towns, giving it both a practical and symbolic role in the local geography.
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