Großer Waldstein

Großer Waldstein is a mountain ridge with steep granite rock faces in the Fichtelgebirge, stretching about 350 meters long. The landscape shows rough boulder formations and mixed forests that define the hiking experience.

The area was fortified during medieval times and once housed two castle ruins, with the Red Castle constructed in the 14th century. These early fortifications show the region's historical importance as a passage and defensive location.

The site attracts visitors drawn to its dramatic rock outcrops and serves as a common destination for day hikes from surrounding towns. The granite formations shape how people experience and remember this part of the Fichtelgebirge.

The site is accessible on foot via marked hiking trails, with a mountain lodge serving as a central point for breaks and information. Good footwear and care when traversing rocky terrain are recommended.

This site houses Germany's last surviving historical trap device, an old snare construction from the 17th century. The apparatus reveals how earlier inhabitants dealt with wild animals and represents a rare technical artifact from that era.

Location: Zell im Fichtelgebirge

Elevation above the sea: 877 m

Length: 350 m

Width: 20 m

Website: http://umweltatlas.bayern.de/mapapps/resources/reports/geotope/generateBericht.pdf?additionallayerfieldvalue=475R009

GPS coordinates: 50.12903,11.85454

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:03