Elfenstein, Mountain summit in Lower Saxony, Harz, Germany

The Elfenstein is a roughly 475-metre-high spur of the northern Harz above Bad Harzburg, whose summit is formed by a quartz wall about 400 metres long and 15 metres wide, rising up to 30 metres. The rock formation itself, first recorded in 1578 as Elwenstein, sits at around 450 metres and is reached by steps.

The peak was first recorded in 1578 under the name Elwenstein, showing long recognition in the region. Archaeological findings on the northeastern slopes revealed Germanic settlements from ancient times.

The name comes from old beliefs about supernatural beings inhabiting the rocky landscape. Today visitors can see the massive granite formations that seem to support such ideas.

The rock formation is climbed by steps to a viewing platform; from there the view falls over the Bad Harzburg racecourse to the Harlyberg and the northern Harz foreland. The easiest marked route, trail 50 C, runs from Bündheim via the Quarzbruchweg and Elfensteinstieg past the Harzburger Fenster viewpoint. The rocks are checkpoint 120 of the Harzer Wandernadel.

The granite peak offers views of Bad Harzburg and the northern Harz Foreland plain below. Its position between the Gläsecke and Bleiche valleys makes it a distinctive landmark in the regional landscape.