Gänseschnabel, Rock formation and viewpoint in Ilfeld, Germany.

Gänseschnabel is a free-standing rock pillar of porphyry north of Ilfeld in Thuringia, shaped like the beak of a goose or duck. From the rock there is a wide view over the Behre valley towards Netzkater.

The Gänseschnabel is a free-standing porphyry rock north of Ilfeld, now part of Harztor in Thuringia, and is listed as a natural monument. The sources record no medieval origin or use; its history is that of a protected landmark whose shape gave rise to the legend of the spellbound goose girl and the monk of Ilfeld monastery.

The name Gänseschnabel refers to the rock's resemblance to a goose's beak. A legend tells of a goose girl from Ilfeld who fell in love with a monk; a witch turned the monk to stone when he waved from the far side of the valley, and then turned the weeping girl to stone too.

Multiple marked hiking trails connect the town of Ilfeld to the viewpoint and offer varying difficulty levels. The rock formation is best viewed from below and from the surrounding area, especially in clear weather and morning sunlight.

The porphyry composition of the stone creates fine patterns on its surface under sunlight. These patterns are especially visible in early morning when the sun hits the column at a low angle.