Pfaffensteig und Deanberg

Description

The cross on the Pfaffensteige

One of the footpaths leading from the market town of Karlstein to the ancient castle on the Schlossberg (474 m above sea level) is called the "Pfaffensteig". In the middle of the path, a stone slab with a cross carved into it can be seen on a steeply sloping boulder. Legend has it that many, many years ago, when the castle was still inhabited by its owners, the castle chaplain made a bet to ride down the dangerous, narrow path on his horse during a violent thunderstorm at pitch-dark midnight. As he passed the boulder, a bright flash of lightning suddenly flashed, accompanied by a violent clap of thunder. The horse reared up and plunged into the depths with the unfortunate rider, where they were both found shattered.
The stone slab with the cross was placed at the scene of the accident to commemorate this event.

According to another legend, the unfortunate rider was a blindfolded knight who dared to take the dangerous ride.