Josephskreuz

The Josephskreuz in the Harz Mountains is an old half-timbered tower that has become one of the most popular destinations in the Auerberg area. The Auerberg itself is a full 580 metres high and thus represents the largest elevation between the Brocken and the Kyffhäuser. The aforementioned Joseph's Cross is enthroned on top of it. You can already imagine the view and the magnificent panorama that await you and your family or friends there. Not only the view, but especially the hiking trail around the Josephskreuz are absolutely recommendable. But how did it actually come about that a half-timbered tower was erected at such a great height?

The origin of the Joseph's Cross

The Dutch royal house of Stolberg, which once had its seat in Stolberg Castle in the southern Harz, wanted such a half-timbered tower to be erected on the Auerberg. This was done in the 17th century for purposes of overview and lookout over the trade routes, so much for its construction. However, this tower was far from being the Joseph's Cross it is today. The following legend is still told today: One day a stranger is said to have come to the Auerberg. He wanted to look for "red paint" in the mountain and so went under the mountain. In the course of his venture, he is said to have dug such tunnels that he undermined the tower and thus loosened its foundations. The half-timbered tower is even said to have been on the verge of collapse. For this reason, it was completely demolished in 1768 because it was in a state of disrepair. But how did it finally come about that the present Joseph's Cross was built?

Prussian master builder paves the way

The famous architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel was consulted by Count Franz Joseph zu Stolberg-Stolberg in 1834 to design the Josephskreuz. Now that you know who commissioned the building, you certainly know where the name of the Josephskreuz comes from. It was no less than 26 metres high and a small forest with almost 370 oaks had to be felled for its construction. Like its predecessor, the "first" Joseph's Cross was not to stand for long. In 1880, lightning struck the wooden structure, it caught fire and burned down without a trace. However, the Josephskreuz was such a popular destination for hikers that it was not to remain there for long.

With commitment and will to the goal

In 1896, the present Joseph's Cross was finally built, approved in cooperation with the Harz Club and Prince Alfred zu Stolberg-Stolberg. In the meantime, the Joseph's Cross was no longer made of wood but of iron. To this day, the massive double cross adorns the Auerberg and stands imposingly with its 246 tons of weight.

Many hiking trails lead to the monument

Last restored in 2004, the Joseph's Cross is a stunning sight. We recommend you take the Luther Trail or the Old Auerberg Road. The fact is that the Josephskreuz is definitely worth a trip, the beautiful panorama will inspire you.