Rastplatz Penzenstein

"Blue men" and "medicine snakes"...

The contrasts of the Danube slopes can be recognised from the viewpoints.

On the one side: rocky, dry, steep slopes. On the other side: flat areas and gently rising hills.

The steep slopes of the Donauleiten offer a variety of different habitats in a very small space. Shady forests, steep rocky precipices, boulder streams and narrow stream gorges occur side by side. These different habitats allow for a high diversity of animal and plant species.
Two particularly interesting inhabitants are the green lizard and the Aesculapian snake.
The green lizard is threatened with extinction in Bavaria and highly endangered in Austria. The blue-coloured throat of the males during the mating season is striking.
The Aesculapian snake is the largest snake in Central Europe and a skilful climber. It can be found as a symbol at every pharmacy, where it skilfully climbs the Aesculapian staff.

According to legend, the devil was also up to mischief around the Penzenstein.
The Danube legend "To hell with the stone!" reveals how the area was rid of him and why his footprints can still be seen on the Penzenstein today.