Heidenstein Rock

The Heidenstein lies in the centre of the beautiful, gently undulating Mühlviertel. A rock formation made of coarse Weinsberg granite, it was used thousands of years ago as a meeting place for the peoples living and travelling through the area. It is believed that festivals were held here eight times a year, where not only politics and trade took place, but also judgements were held, according to records found in the surrounding archives.

This "place of power" was also used for star and solar observations. From the rock formation on the left, the equinox, summer solstice and winter solstice can be precisely determined from the surrounding mountains, church spires and monasteries. It is also believed that the water bowls were used for stargazing.

Eibenstein was first mentioned in a document in 1262. Ehaftteiding was carried out at Heidenstein for the neighbouring villages. Manuscript evidence of this can be found in the Waldenfels castle archives. According to the documents, all residents who "enjoyed the same freedoms as those at Eibenstein" were obliged to take part. The only exceptions were sick people and those who had to perform labour for the lords of the manor.