Hexentanzplatz (Harz)

The Hexentanzplatz (literally "Witches' Dance Floor") is a plateau located high above the Bode Gorge in the Harz Mountains of Germany, near Thale in Saxony-Anhalt. It is a popular tourist destination steeped in local folklore and legends.

According to legend, the Hexentanzplatz was a gathering place for witches, especially on Walpurgis Night (the night of April 30th), who would meet to celebrate and prepare for their flight to the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains. They were said to dance, conjure spirits, and perform rituals there.

The area has been recognized as a site of pagan significance for centuries, long predating recorded historical accounts of Walpurgis Night celebrations. This pre-Christian association likely contributed to the later witch legends.

Today, the Hexentanzplatz is a bustling tourist attraction featuring various attractions related to the witch theme, including sculptures, museums, and theatrical performances. It offers stunning views of the Bode Gorge and the surrounding Harz landscape. The area can be reached by car, on foot via hiking trails, or by cable car and chairlift from Thale. The adjacent Bergtheater Thale, an open-air theatre, hosts numerous shows and events, often with themes related to the Hexentanzplatz legends.