Gegensteine, Rock formation in Ballenstedt, Germany.

The Gegensteine are two free-standing sandstone pinnacles at the eastern end of the Teufelsmauer: the Großer Gegenstein at 243.6 m and the Kleiner Gegenstein at about 230 m, some 450 m apart. The larger rock rises about 50 m above the surrounding land, its dark, porous surface cut by irregular light grey stone steps with iron handrails on both sides leading to a narrow summit.

The rocks were developed for public access in the 1860s with steps constructed on the larger stone and a summit cross installed to honor a regional duke. These additions show how the site became a recognized destination in the area.

The name Gegensteine means "Counter-Stones", referring to the two pinnacles facing each other about 450 metres apart. Friedrich Gottschalck worked the rocks into his fairy tale Die Gegensteine, and a hoard of bronze artefacts was recovered from the Kleiner Gegenstein.

The Großer Gegenstein is climbed via irregular stone slabs set into the rock face, with iron handrails on both sides. The steps are uneven and become slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is advised. The summit cross and a metal pole with guy wires stand at the top; the Kleiner Gegenstein lies about 450 metres west.

The name refers to the two pinnacles facing each other across roughly 450 metres, the Great and Little Counter-Stones. On the summit of the Großer Gegenstein stands a cross erected in 1863 for the Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg and renewed in 1993. A bronze hoard was recovered from the Kleiner Gegenstein, where Bronze Age hilltop settlement traces were found.