The legend of Steinerne Agnes
According to legend, Agnes was a devout and virtuous alpine dairymaid who was turned to stone to protect her from the devil's advances. With a little imagination, you can make out the figure of the dairymaid wearing her hat in the rock formation.
You'll find Steinerne Agnes at the foot of Schlafende Hexe ("Sleeping Witch"), another rock formation steeped in legend. The mountain known as Rotofen resembles a reclining woman when viewed from the valley below. Its most striking feature is Großer Rotofen, which forms the Sleeping Witch's nose. Because its size and shape are said to resemble the nose of Maximilian von Montgelas, Großer Rotofen is also known as the Montgelas Nose.
Hiking to Steinerne Agnes
The hike to Steinerne Agnes is a true hidden gem. Starting at the Hallthurm parking lot in Bischofswiesen, follow a forest road to the high-voltage power lines. Here, a trail branches off to the right, leading you through a shady mountain forest up to the Rotofensattel saddle. From there, the trail continues with gentle ups and downs until you reach Steinerne Agnes, which stands 50 meters above the path. Please do not attempt to climb the rock formation.
If you're up for a longer hike, you can continue climbing nearly 400 meters of elevation gain to Dreisesselberg. For the descent, retrace your steps about 60 to 80 meters from Steinerne Agnes, then turn right and head downhill via Bichlberg toward Winkl. At Bichllehen, you'll join the Bischofswiesen Panorama Trail, which takes you back to your starting point.
Steinerne Agnes is one of three natural landmarks in the Berchtesgadener Land region recognized by the Bavarian Environment Agency as one of "Bavaria's 100 most beautiful geotopes."
Other award-winning geotopes:
- Zauberwald (Enchanted Forest) in Ramsau
- Former Eiskapelle ice cave at Lake Königssee
