Via Celtica - In tune with the Celts

We walk uphill to the source of the Meisbach. In times gone by, springs were worshipped all over the world.

A short distance away, we can see Burgberg on the opposite side, a well-proportioned, aesthetically “beautiful” hill.

On the heights, we come to the “Großer Keller” nature conservation area. The mighty spruce trees with at least two crowns each, the “Zweisel”, are quite striking. The nearby juniper heath is under strict nature conservation. Juniper was an important healing plant for the Celts.

We enjoy a wide-ranging view of the Edertal valley and the surrounding hilly landscape from a viewing platform.

Then it’s downhill to the Eder river under the bridge. Rivers were a symbol of the circle of life for the Celts.

After a steep climb, we come to a mystical oak forest, the Honert, interspersed with numerous cliffs.

After descending again, we reach a highpoint of the tour at Dotzlarer Weir. Three natural phenomena that held great meaning for the Celts occur together here: a river, a steep ledge projecting into the river and an ancient oak tree.

After a short, demanding climb, we approach our next viewing point. We can see the prominent pyramid-like Hohen Stift, over which the sun rises on the winter solstice, and to the left by the Honert forest, the Rammelsberg, over which the sun rises at the summer solstice.

We hike to the next place of power, an extensive rocky region with vertical crags and broad piles of rock scree.

After another climb, we reach a Dotzlar landmark, the “Zollbaum” (toll tree) and a landscape that was planted as part of a juniper conservation project.

The destination for the hike is the fort dating back to Celtic times, the remains of which can only barely be made out. The fort is a mysterious and mystical place. We can still only guess as to the function the complex served.

The hike ends here. We look out over two thirds of the landscape we have hiked. You can see the area around the source of the Meisbach, the nature conservation area, the Edertal valley and the Honert forest. After a short descent we reach the exit point.