A 15km Walk in the Elm Forest.

Monika and the group make their way through the forest.

I didn't think I'd make the walk, but with the aid ot two painkillers taken at 8.40am, I set off for the tram into town, just to see how my ankle felt.   Fortunately I had no pain, so I met my friends outside the Theatre, and we set off in the car for the Elm Forest.  It was hot, but in 23c in a forest, it remained mostly cool.   The 15km walk took us around the lower part of the forest, with some short diversions to places of special interest. 

It is beautiful woodland, thickly forested but with fire breaks and small clearings, where at wooden benches and tables, you can sit and enjoy snacks, drinks and a chance to rest your weary legs and feet.

Anna takes a look at what might be underneath the massive boulder.

Here we have stopped at the "Golden Stag," the so named huge quartzite boulder that is sand "frozen" with quarzite.   There are many legends attached to this place, and a nearby monument, engraved in the old German script (Fraktur) and much weathered, told the history of the place, but of course, none of us could read any of it.

Elmsburg, the remains of the small castle in the woods. 

The stones in the background mark the position of Elmsburg, a small castle that once  stood in this place of dappled sunlight.   Built in the 11th century, it was surrounded by a wall and defensive ditch.  The castle was abandoned in the 16th century and only the foundations remain, other stone having been removed for building houses in the local area.  Much excavation has taken place, and the burial places of eight former inhabitants have been unearthed in the church floor. 

All that remains of Elmsburg, foundations, some walls and nearby well.

The remains of "Warburg," an 11/12th century settlement in the forest. 

The photo shows what was the defensive moat and ramparts, viewed from my standpoint on the causeway, with the  central mound to the right in the photo.  Excavations have uncovered evidence of early settlement, with pieces of crafted stone and mortar, two hearths, an oven and the foundations of a tower. Metal working took place here, with arrowheads, horseshoes, spurs, knives, scissors, chainlinks and meat hooks being uncovered.   It seems to have been a place much fought over, and  for a time was occupied by the forces of the Archbishop of Magdeburg, until he was replaced by repeated battles for ownership and power.

"Warburg" now, with its houses standing around the central tower of the later castle. 

Last year I visited the castle, for a day of singing at a gathering of local choirs.   Unfortunately it drizzled all day, but our spirits were not dampened.