Eiserne Hand, Forest ridge in Riehen, Switzerland
Eiserne Hand is a wooded ridge that extends into Germany with a length of roughly 1.7 kilometers and a maximum width of about 300 meters. The terrain is characterized by mixed forests of firs, beech, and oak trees.
The boundary stones here mark one of Europe's oldest borders, which has remained unchanged since 1522 and served as a crucial escape route during World War II. The location became significant for people crossing between territories.
The name comes from a metal hand with a pointing finger that was mounted on a tree near the boundary markers for decades. This hand bore the inscription 'Zum Waidhof' and served as a distinctive landmark for travelers crossing the forest.
The area has several hiking trails, including the Maienbühlweg and Wolfenfroweg, that pass through the mixed forest and are easily accessible. The paths are well marked and offer different options for various experience levels.
Seventy-six boundary stones line the territory, with 43 marking the international border, each bearing distinctive coats of arms of their respective countries. These stone markers tell through their symbols the story of border definition in this region.
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