Wolfsdenkmal

The Wolfsdenkmal stands 800 metres south of the former hunting lodge Schwiederschwende in the Harz mountains. It marks the spot where the last wolf in the Lower Harz was killed in January 1724. The stone monument also serves as a guidepost for walkers. Erected in 1824 by a local stonemason named Thieme, it bears an inscription naming Count Jost Christian zu Stolberg-Roßla as the ruler at the time. The rear of the monument carries the words of the inscription in full. The front shows the distance to Rossla in old miles. On each side wall distances to five nearby villages are carved: Schwiederschwende, Hayn, Dietersdorf, Breitenbach and Wolfsberg, all measured in hours of walking. Visitors find a simple stone pillar standing beside the forest path. The wolf’s face, once carved in relief, has been repeatedly damaged and now appears smoothed over. The surrounding woodland offers quiet walks and views across the Harz hills.