Tetzelstein, Memorial stone in the Elm forest near Am Großen Rhode, Germany

The Tetzelstein is a rectangular Elm limestone block 1.36 m long that rises only 88 cm above the ground, standing on a forest clearing in the Elm near the forest inn of the same name. About 100 m away stands the 8 m neo-Gothic memorial of light-yellow Elm limestone erected in 1846 by Anton Reinhold Edler von Lübeck, which visitors often mistake for the Tetzelstein itself.

The clearing may have served as an important gathering place in early times before the stone was first documented in 1676. Local tradition connects the memorial to Johann Tetzel, a 16th-century indulgence preacher who was allegedly robbed at this location.

The name Tetzelstein refers to the Dominican indulgence preacher Johann Tetzel (1465–1519), who, according to legend, was robbed or killed near this spot. A pastor from Sambleben recorded the story in the 18th century; the account is kept in the Wolfenbüttel state archive (LB 1225 Bd. 8 Blatt 238). The stone bears a carved cross at its upper end, which may indicate it was set up as atonement for a killing.

The site is accessible via several hiking trails through the Elm-Lappwald forest area and serves as a starting point for longer walks. Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the paths wind through wooded terrain.

The 8-metre neo-Gothic monument of 1846 is often mistaken for the Tetzelstein itself, but the actual stone lies about 100 m away. The square block, 1.36 m long, rises only 88 cm above ground and bears a carved cross at its top.