Kräutelstein

What secrets does a little island hold? Here, before us, lies Kräutelstein, not just any island, but one with an international border running right through it. Kräutelstein, a small, tree-covered rock island, sits in the Danube River, just below Passau. It’s an unassuming place, yet it plays a significant role in the history of Germany and Austria. Kräutelstein is more Austrian than German. Roughly 85% of its 450 square meters belongs to Austria, while a small southwestern sector remains German. This division isn’t a recent development. The border’s path can be traced back to the 13th century, separating the Bishopric of Passau (now Austria) from the Duchy of Lower Bavaria (Germany). The island itself is located at river kilometer 2223.196, a precise point in the flowing waters. Normally, only about 10 meters of water separate Kräutelstein from the eastern, Austrian bank of the Danube. At typical water levels, you could even walk to Kräutelstein over a stone causeway. It lends its name to the nearby Kräutelstein Bridge, a disused railway bridge just upstream. Now, look closer at Kräutelstein. You’ll see boundary stone No. 1 of the Republic of Austria. This stone isn’t just a marker; it represents centuries of territorial negotiation. The first boundary marker here was mentioned in 1549. A boundary column was built in 1591, engraved with the number 10 and the Passau wolf, symbol of the Bishopric. Replaced by a boundary stone in 1596, it was renumbered as boundary stone No. 1 in 1691. The current stone, standing 115 cm tall, dates back to 1792. On the German side, you see the Passau wolf, while the Austrian side bears the double eagle and Babenberg shield, beneath which the year 1792 is inscribed. Even the Danube floods couldn’t topple this stone for over two centuries, yet the floods of 2013 finally knocked it down. A search and rescue operation was launched, the stone was recovered and, reinforced with steel, was returned to its rightful place on the little island of Kräutelstein. So, as you look at this seemingly simple island, remember its story. It is a story of borders, of history, and a small rocky outcrop that has witnessed the flow of time and the currents of the Danube.