Up here at the Altkönig, legends whisper through the wind. This is the third highest peak in the Taunus mountain range. But it is arguably the most beautiful. Today we are going to delve into the Altkönig.
The Altkönig stands tall at 798.2 meters. That is quite high for a Mittelgebirge. The name Altkönig may come from the Celtic word “altkin”. It means high peak or high crest. Others believe it is from the Latin word “alta” meaning high.
This mountain has always been a popular weekend destination. It is easily accessible from Frankfurt. Even Karl Simrock mentioned the Altkönig in his 19th-century work. He noted that it was visited more often than the Lütgefeldberg.
Let’s talk about those impressive stone walls. Karl Simrock thought the three colossal stone walls were the main draw. They girdle the mountain’s foot, middle, and summit. These ring walls are of Celtic origin. They likely date back to around 400 BC. The purpose of these walls remains unclear. Some believe they served as protection for a refuge castle. This mystery has fueled many speculations. Some even suggest Ariovist or Alemannenkönig Rando ordered their construction.
Imagine a mother and daughter wandering here. Legend says they discovered a treasure cave behind a door. Seven old men sat at a table inside the cave. The cave sparkled with gold and silver. The mother became engrossed in filling her basket with treasures. She forgot her child. The cave closed with a loud crash. Seven years later, on the advice of a clergyman, she returned. She found her daughter asleep. The girl was as young and radiant as when she was left behind. However, the cave was never found again.
From the summit, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Frankfurt. Numerous hiking trails lead to the top of the Altkönig. You can leave your car below at the “Große Kurve” parking lot. Bus line 57 also stops there. Nearby, you will find Falkenstein with its castle ruins. Also close is the Lips-Tempel. It is a small wooden tower originally built as a shelter in 1895. It offers another fantastic view.
In the past, there was a plan to build a tower. It would have been named after Ludwig Uhland. Sadly, the contributions were not enough. The plan was abandoned.
The Altkönig has a rich history and captivating legends. Its impressive views and mysterious stone walls make it a unique destination. Take a moment to appreciate the majestic Altkönig. Let’s carry on.