Galgensteine - Buchholzer Galgenhöhe #2

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The highest point in the city district of Buchholz is the Buchholzer Galgenhöhe. With an elevation of 707 meters above NN, this hilltop within the Buchholzer Stadtwald forest represents the highest spot around. Initially, a gallows once stood at this location, and the surrounding woodland was cleared to provide unobstructed views in all directions. As a result, any outsiders approaching Buchholz from this vantage point would catch sight of the gallows and the condemned hanging from it. Today, one can still find these so-called Galgensteine. Inscribed onto them are the judges' initials and year markers, providing evidence of when the gallows was rebuilt. The term "Galgenberg" has its roots in the 16th century. In 1529, the first gallows was erected here. Since as early as 1512, the city of Buchholz had jurisdiction over life and death.