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Hoher Meißner

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Mountain
—°10
Hoher Meißner (Germany)

Weather…

The Hoher Meißner is a prominent mountain massif in the North Hessian Highlands, reaching an elevation of 753.6 meters. It consists of a basalt plateau resting on layers of lignite and sandstone, formed approximately 10 to 15 million years ago by volcanic activity. The mountain is famously associated with the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, as Mother Holle is said to reside in the Frau-Holle-Teich pond located there. Historically significant is the centuries-long lignite mining industry, which persisted until 1974 and shaped the landscape with spoil heaps and sinkholes. A unique geological phenomenon is the 'Stinksteinwände' (Stinking Stone Walls), where spontaneous combustion of lignite seams caused underground fires that smoldered for centuries. Today, the entire massif is a major nature reserve hosting alpine relict plants and rare moorlands. Additionally, the mountain serves as a vital transmission site for the Hessian Broadcasting Corporation.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-10381216191814940
Rain mm674852407665826858566368

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The region is typically accessible via local roads winding through the northern Hessian countryside, with nearby towns providing regional transit connections for visitors arriving by bus or car.
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Best season
The warmer months of spring and summer are lovely for hiking, while winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, making it a wonderful destination year-round for nature lovers.
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Terrain & paths
The terrain consists of rolling hills leading up to a prominent plateau, featuring well-marked paths that are generally easy to navigate but can include some moderately steep ascents.
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What to bring
Dependable outdoor footwear is essential for the varied trails, alongside weather-appropriate clothing layers and a good map or GPS device, especially if exploring the more secluded areas.
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Parking
Visitors will typically find designated parking areas near the main trailheads and popular viewpoints, usually clearly marked and situated conveniently close to the surrounding natural forests.
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Safety
As with any mountainous area, sudden weather changes can occur, so check forecasts beforehand and stick to the official trails to preserve the local flora and avoid any hidden hazards.
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Time needed
Depending on your planned route, a visit can span from a short two-hour walk to explore the immediate viewpoints, to a comprehensive full-day hike discovering the local legends and dense forests.

Geography

Coordinates
51.22600, 9.85100

Facts

  • Highest point is located at 753.6 meters.
  • Lignite mining was conducted from 1560 to 1974.
  • Legendary residence of Mother Holle according to folklore.
  • The basalt plateau is approximately 10 kilometers long.
  • Annual average temperature at the summit is 5.8 degrees.
  • First mine fire in the Stinksteinwände was reported in 1545.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Großalmerode6 km · NWExplore →
📍Bad Sooden-Allendorf9 km · NEExplore →
📍Hessisch Lichtenau10 km · WExplore →
📍Witzenhausen13 km · NExplore →
EschwegeEschwege14 km · EExplore →
📍Spangenberg18 km · SWExplore →
📍Sontra19 km · SExplore →
📍Melsungen23 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Hoher Meißner (10)

Kasseler Kuppe

Mountain. Highest point of the Hoher Meißner in Hesse.

Neuer Stollen

Gallery in the Hoher Meißner. Evidence of historical lignite mining.

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Bransroderstollen

Gallery in the Hoher Meißner. Former lignite mine, now accessible.

Meißner

Nature reserve in Hesse. Protects slopes and parts of the Hoher Meißner plateau, consists of 8 sub-areas.

Aussichtspunkt Heiligenberg

Viewpoint on the Heiligenberg. View over the Hoher Meißner and the surrounding area.

Heiligenberg

Hill in Hesse, Germany. Wooded summit in the Hoher Meißner area.

Frau-Holle-Teich

Lake in Hesse, Germany. Small lake on the Hoher Meißner plateau, associated with the legend.

Kalbe

Viewpoint at the Hoher Meißner. Wide view over the landscape.

Bühlchen bei Weißenbach

Nature reserve in Hesse. Hilltop with calcareous grassland and junipers, about 1 km south of Weißenbach near Großalmerode.

Bergwiese

Viewpoint at the Hoher Meißner. Open meadow with a view into the valley.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Hoher Meißner famous?
It is known as the home mountain of the fairy tale character Frau Holle from the Brothers Grimm stories.
What is the Frau-Holle-Teich?
A small, legendary pond considered the entrance to the underground realm of Frau Holle.
Are there mining-related features there?
Yes, the mountain has a long tradition of lignite mining; today there is an interesting mining trail.
What are the 'Stinksteinwände'?
A spot where underground coal fires have caused sulfur vapors to escape for centuries.
Are there opportunities for winter sports?
Yes, there are cross-country trails and, with enough snow, ski lifts for downhill skiing.
Hoher Meißner: where is it located?
Hoher Meißner is located in Lower Saxony, Germany.
Hoher Meißner: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kasseler Kuppe, Neuer Stollen, Bransroderstollen.
Hoher Meißner: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Hoher Meißner: why is it worth visiting?
The Hoher Meißner is a prominent mountain massif in the North Hessian Highlands, reaching an elevation of 753.6 meters.
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