We hike uphill on the Pfaffensteinweg (Malerweg) in the direction of Pfaffenstein. But first we want to get to the Quirl and turn right onto the cross-path (marked "green dot"). This easy path takes us along an avenue of trees to the sports field. Here we meet the Malerweg again (turning left). The "red dot" markings soon follow and we reach the foot of the Quirl.
On the path under the rock faces along the Quirl, you can admire a variety of weathered shapes such as hourglasses and caves. The Diebskeller is the most famous cave and is located on the NE side of the Quirl and was first mentioned in 1692. It is a two-storey layered joint cave with a length of 28 metres, 8 metres wide and up to 4 metres high. The stone table in the centre of the cave, dating from 1755, is said to have been set up for a meal during the hunt for August II.
After visiting this cave, we continue along the Quirl promenade around the Quirl (marked with a red dot and the Malerweg). Shortly after passing a sandstone trough carved out of a boulder (it was intended for a farmstead but was never collected), our path turns off to the right. We continue along the Malerweg in the direction of Pfaffenstein. At the foot of the Pfaffenstein, a plaque points out the Bronze Age rampart.
This was built around 3000 years ago. The 200 metre long, semi-circular structure was probably intended to protect the only access to the plateau and was surrounded by a ditch. During archaeological investigations in 1959 and 1961, further pottery remains were found inside the rampart.
We take the gorge path up the Pfaffenstein to the mountain restaurant and observation tower. A visit to the rustic restaurant and a climb up the tower are definitely worthwhile!
The Pfaffenstein plateau was already inhabited around 3,000 years ago. This is confirmed by Stone Age and Bronze Age finds from archaeological excavations. Between 1896 and 1912, various stone flat axes, clay vessels, a millstone and a hearth came to light in the vicinity of today's mountain inn. The miner Richard Keiler found two bronze arm rings in 1921. Further excavations were carried out on the plateau in 1967, during which more pottery and a grinding stone were found.
There are many mysterious places to discover on the Pfaffenstein plateau, e.g. swirl holes, caves and ancient ruins. Our hiking tour leads us slowly back with a detour to the Barbarine, a bizarre rock needle. We hike the easy descent downhill and follow the so-called "comfortable path" with a wonderful panorama of Königstein Fortress back to Pfaffendorf.
