Hidden within the southeastern part of Nuremberg’s Langwasser district lies the Teufelsbackofen. This isn’t your average oven. It’s a man-made cave. About 1.5 meters high it hides a fascinating history.
The Teufelsbackofen or Devil’s Oven as it is known today wasn’t always so ominously named. Its original name was Teifels-Bachoffen. This suggests its connection to a water source rather than baking. The cave’s purpose was far from culinary. During the Middle Ages it served as a site for the extraction of Stubensand. This fine-grained sand was highly sought after for use in homes.
Archaeological digs in the 1930s uncovered intriguing finds within the Teufelsbackofen. Pottery shards indicated use from both the Middle Ages and even earlier. Some pieces might even date back to the La Tène period. The site is now officially protected as a historical landmark. Its registration number is D-5-6633-0068.
The Teufelsbackofen’s location adds another layer to its story. Nearby a stream called the Obere Brandgraben flows from the Lorenzer Reichswald. To the north the busy Bundesautobahn 6 with its Langwasser exit runs past. To the south industrial buildings are visible. The area had an interesting past. From 1967 to the early 1990s the US Army used the land as a helipad. Its proximity to the border of Wendelstein adds to its intriguing position.
The Teufelsbackofen stands as a silent witness. It whispers tales of medieval industry ancient settlements and a more recent history linked to the US military. Next time you’re in Langwasser remember the Devil’s Oven’s story. It’s a reminder that even small places have stories to tell. Stories of sand digging and history stretching far back in time.