Wetzstein

The Wetzstein is a low mountain in the Gilserberger Heights, rising 358.5 metres above sea level near Hatzbach in Hesse. Its name points to an ancient cult site where Germanic peoples once ground sacred stone dust for worship. The summit sits close to the border between two rural districts, with the Josbach stream flowing just north of its wooded slopes. The mountain belongs to the West Hessian Highlands and marks the southern edge of the Gilserberger Heights. Southwards the land falls away into the Neustädter Sattel, a gentler landscape of ridges and valleys. A quiet river, the Wildenbach, rises on the southern flank while the Josbach flows past to the north. Walkers reach the peak along forest tracks and footpaths that start from nearby roads. A twelve-kilometre circular trail winds around the Wetzstein through mixed woodland and open stretches. The route passes old boundary stones and offers wide views over rolling farmland. On clear days the skyline of the Vogelsberg can be seen to the south-east. The path is marked with red and white stripes and takes about four hours to complete at a leisurely pace.