Quirl, Summit in Königstein, Germany
Quirl is a sandstone table mountain rising 349 meters in Saxon Switzerland, combining sheer cliff faces with a wide, open plateau on top. The summit offers expansive views across the surrounding landscape and forested valleys.
During the 1866 conflict in the region, military forces destroyed the pathways to prevent cannon placement on the plateau. Since then, the mountain has been rebuilt as a hiking destination without military significance.
The plateau served as pastureland for nearby farms for many generations. You can still see traces of this agricultural use in how the land is shaped, though active farming here ended decades ago.
Marked hiking trails depart from Königstein town center and reach the plateau in about 2.5 kilometers. The path includes some steep sections that require careful footing, but the route is generally accessible to most visitors.
The northern slope contains the Diebskeller cave, the largest cave formation in Saxon Switzerland covering about 230 square meters. This underground chamber offers a surprising discovery for hikers who explore beyond the main plateau views.
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