You look up at the imposing hight of the Donnersberg (literally translated as “Thunder Mountain” while contemplating hiking the steep trails. Again you think “Why not?” You brave the upward trail, following the signs. Always follow the signs! The tall trees clawing their way out of the hillside obscure the view of your destination. You trudge on. Luckily, it’s less than a half a mile. You turn a corner on the edge of a ravine and there it is: this strange arch, sprouting from the rocks protruding from the hillside. There is a bench and you rest your weary legs. Staring through the arch, you see the rolling hills of the Donnersbergkreis. Windmills rotate lazily on the horizon; majestic eagles circle unseen prey; and you take in the view.

Maybe you think: how did they get all this steel up this hill in 1880? What is this monument even for? You find out, upon later research that it is another monument to the victorious Germans over the French in the Franco-Prussion war of 1870. You further learn that this war is what brought the disparate German kingdoms and city-states into one country. “Irregardless”, you sit for a moment, forgetting about the stress of work and life. You may even reflect on the people who built this arch and why. You take it all in. You take a selfie. You update your status. Then remember it for the rest of your life!

There are a few places to park at the bottom of the hill. You can plug this address into your GPS: Donnersbergstrasse 18, Dannenfels. Or you can park a little further up the road at the Landgasthof Pfalzblick and grab some food on their terrace before or after your hike. Either way, expect a hike and have proper footwear!