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Similar Teufelsmauer, Indianermuseum Derenburg, Hamburger Wappen, Gegensteine–Schierberg, Konradsburg | ||
The Gegensteine are crags near the town of Ballenstedt on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains in Germany. There are two: the Großer Gegenstein and Kleiner Gegenstein ("Great Gegenstein" and "Little Gegenstein"). They are striking, free-standing rock pinnacles and outliers of the Teufelsmauer. They lie within the Gegensteine–Schierberg nature reserve.
Map of Gegen-Steine, 06493 Ballenstedt, Germany
The Großer Gegenstein (51°44′12″N 11°13′33″E) can be ascended by means of ladders and steps carved out of the rock. A cross was erected on its summit in 1863 by order of the Prince of Anhalt; it was replaced in 1993. From the summit there are extensive views over the Harz Mountains and its northern foreland.
Near the Kleiner Gegenstein (51°44′10″N 11°13′11″E) there used to be a site used for driver training purposes by the Gesellschaft für Sport und Technik during East German times.