Friedenssteine, Memorial stone site in Bad Kösen, Germany.
The Friedenssteine is a group of four limestone blocks arranged in an arc formation along a steep slope near Ilskeweg. They sit perched on the hillside with views toward Fränkenau village below.
The stones were created to commemorate four major peace treaties that shaped German unification in the 1800s. They mark milestones from 1815 through 1871 that led to the formation of a unified German state.
The stones bear carved inscriptions marking pivotal moments in German history. They reflect how communities used such places to remember and honor important events from their past.
Reach the site by following the Ilskeweg hiking trail, which passes by the stones. Sturdy footwear is advisable since the stones sit on a steep slope, and the path can be slippery after rain.
Despite thorough searches in local archives through 2001, the exact origins and who donated these stones remain unknown. This mystery adds an intriguing layer to the site for visitors curious about who once placed them there.
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