On the Pfaffensteinweg (Malerweg) we hike uphill towards Pfaffenstein. But first, we want to go to the Quirl and turn right onto the Querweg (marked "green dot"). On this comfortable path, you walk along an avenue of trees to the sports field. Here we meet (turning left) the Malerweg again. Soon the marking "red dot" joins and we arrive at the foot of the Quirl.
On the path under the rock walls along the Quirl, you can admire various weathering forms such as hourglass shapes and caves. The Diebskeller is the most famous cave and is located on the northeast side of the Quirl. It was first mentioned in 1692. It is a two-level fissure cave with a length of 28 meters, 8 meters wide, and up to 4 meters high. The stone table in the middle of the cave from the year 1755 is said to have been set up for a meal during the hunt for August II.
After visiting this cave, we continue hiking on the Quirlpromenade around the Quirl (marked "red dot" and Malerweg). Shortly after passing a sandstone trough carved from a rock block (intended for a farmer’s farm but never collected), our path turns right. We continue on the Malerweg towards Pfaffenstein. At the foot of the Pfaffenstein, a sign points us to the Bronze Age rampart.
This was built about 3,000 years ago. The 200-meter-long, semicircular structure presumably served to protect the only access to the plateau and was surrounded by a ditch. Archaeological investigations in 1959 and 1961 found further ceramic remains within the rampart.
We choose the gorge path to the Pfaffenstein to the mountain inn and the viewing tower. A visit to the rustic inn and climbing the tower are definitely worthwhile!
The plateau of the Pfaffenstein was already settled about 3,000 years ago. This is evidenced by Stone Age and Bronze Age finds from archaeological excavations. Near today's mountain inn, various stone flat axes, earthenware vessels, a millstone, and a hearth were discovered between 1896 and 1912. The mountain innkeeper Richard Keiler found two bronze arm rings in 1921. Further excavations on the plateau were carried out in 1967, where additional ceramics and a grinding stone were found.
On the plateau of the Pfaffenstein, there are many mysterious places to discover, such as whirlholes, caves, or old ruins. Our hiking route leads us slowly back with a detour to the Barbarine, a quirky rock needle. We hike downhill for the comfortable descent and follow the so-called "Comfortable Path" with a wonderful panorama of Königstein Fortress back to Pfaffendorf.
