Deep within the Schwarzwald, or Black Forest, of Germany, lies a rich tapestry of tradition, legend, and ecological reverence that has endured for centuries. One of the most captivating figures within this folklore is the Schwarzwald Hexe, or Black Forest witch. These mythical characters embody the magic, wisdom, and deep connection to the natural world that have defined this region's culture for generations. As a wellness coach and ecopsychologist living, working, and exploring the Schwarzwald, I am particularly drawn to the ways local cultural practices illuminate our interconnectedness with nature. The Hexen, or witches, who inhabit these mystical woodlands, remind us of our ancient roots and offer a unique lens through which we can reconnect with the earth's rhythms.
Witches of the Schwarzwald: Celebrating the Hexen Heritage
The Schwarzwald Hexe, or Black Forest Witch, is not merely a magical figure, but rather a multifaceted symbol of nature's wisdom, mystery and historical figure representing women healers of past and present.
In folklore these witches are often depicted as eerily beautiful, casting spells and playing practical jokes with cunning and nimbleness. Their presence is particularly felt and celebrated during Carnival (Fastnacht), on Walpurgis Night on May 1st, and throughout the dark winter months.
Witch Tradition
The Black Forest celebrates its witches most vibrantly during Carnival (Fastnacht), a time of festivity leading up to Lent. Here, witches are not feared but celebrated as playful, cunning, and magical figures. Villages and guilds called Narrenzünfte create their own witch characters, each with unique masks and costumes, for elaborate Umzüge, parades and processions. These masks, called “Larve” are intricately carved from a master wood carver, “Schwarzwald Holzbildhauermeister”, honoring the traditional practices of wood carving which have been passed down through generations (Steidel, 2024).
Did you know:
Larve is the technical term for the masks. It originally comes from Latin and means ghost. Many of the larvae wearers look like ghosts; if they drop their mask, they are "unmasked" in the truest sense of the word (Steidel, 2024).
These Fastnacht celebrations are more than mere festivities. They serve as powerful rituals to drive away winter's darkness and invite the blessings of the coming spring. According to ancient folklore, where a witch’s effigy hangs, a house is blessed, grief is pushed away, and worry kept at bay (Young, 2013).
The Schwarzwald witches are often portrayed as beings deeply connected to the natural world. They are seen as keepers of herbal knowledge, guardians of the forest, and intermediaries between humans and the mysterious forces of nature. This close relationship to the environment reflects the Schwarzwald region's historical practices with the forest for sustenance, medicine, and protection.
Folk Healers and Wise Women
Many of the witches in Black Forest folklore were wise women, known for their healing abilities and knowledge of herbalism. They were integral to their communities, using plants and remedies from the forest to treat ailments. These women were often misunderstood and persecuted, especially during the witch hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries, which deeply affected the region. Despite this dark history, the Hexen are also remembered for their wisdom and contribution to the survival of their communities.
In the Schwarzwald, witches often embody powerful feminine archetypes. Whether portrayed as wise healers, vengeful spirits, or playful tricksters, they reflect a range of female identities that have been both feared and revered throughout history. The association of witches with wild, untamed nature also ties them to ideas of freedom and independence, qualities that were often suppressed in the historical treatment of women, especially during the era of witch hunts.
Legends of the Schwarzwald Hexen
Each village in the Schwarzwald seems to have its own witch, steeped in legend and local lore. These stories give life to the landscape, with specific mountains, valleys, and forests associated with witch gatherings or magical events.
Some of the most fascinating figures include:
• Schägenesthexe: Our local witch story, originates during the time when the Geroldsecker family died out. Witches were said to haunt the stables of cattle and horses. They untied the animals, chasing them around in the night until the creatures were exhausted and covered in foam by morning. The witches would steal milk from the cows and intricately braid the manes of the horses. Despite the mischief and ruckus they caused, when anyone entered the stable to investigate, all would fall mysteriously silent, and the animals would appear tied up and in deep rest. Locals believed that the witches came from Schägenest and would retreat back to this infamous place after causing havoc in the stables. To safeguard against these malevolent forces, farmers erected "Bildstöckle", religious shrines, which were believed to ward off the witches. Some of these protective shrines still stand today, serving as physical reminders of the local lore (Eulenzunft Seelbach e.V., 2024).
Kandelhexe Plattenwieble: Kandel is known as a spot for dancing witches, who are said to have celebrated wild gatherings atop Kandel Mountain. The mountain with stunning views of the Rhein plains and Vosges Mountains, was once called the “Blockula of the Black Forest” or the legendary place where the devil held his earthly court during the witches’ Sabbath. The Kandel is believed to be infused with magical energy as the witch's stronghold. Adding to its mystical allure. The upper part of the Kandel Rock, the so called Teufelskanzel (Devil’s Pulpit), collapsed in the night from April 30 to March 1 in 1981. Roughly 2,000 cubic meters of stone became loose, fell down and have been lying underneath the rock since then. Some residents believed in a demonic origin of the rockfall as it happened in the Walpurgis Night and a broom was found in the rubble (Schwarzwald, 2020).
Josefa Schuler, known as the "Plattenwieble" or "Kandelhexe," was a 19th-century figure from the Black Forest, Schwarzwald. Picture Foto: Storz/Hochschwarzwald Tourismus GmbH Josefa Schuler, known as the "Plattenwieble" or "Kandelhexe," was a 19th-century figure from the Black Forest, characterized by her eccentric lifestyle, including wearing multiple skirts and a man's hat, while catching frogs, smoking cigar stubs and running around yearlong barefoot. After losing her daughter to diphtheria, she became increasingly reclusive and was remembered for her broom-making and unique personality, which has since inspired local folklore and carnival traditions. (Bollwahn, 2013).
Gfällrote: A shapeshifting witch who wreaks havoc poaching with her two ghostly hounds. According to legend, in the forests of Haslachsimonswald she can transform into harmless-looking flora when threatened, blending seamlessly with the natural environment. Her ghostly dogs, however, can be slain and resurrected repeatedly, reflecting the cyclical nature of life and death. According to the legend when the hunters caught the Gfällhexe's dogs one day, they hung the hunting dogs on a fir tree, assuming that their mistress would come and get them. The hunters lay in wait for the witch there for three days and only left when the dogs, which had died in the meantime, began to stink. Then the Gfällhexe came and cut her dogs off the fir tree and they came back to life. They were seen poaching together again immediately afterwards.
Susanna Mayer: A historical figure from 1628, Mayer was accused of witchcraft and executed in the Schartenberg area. Her spirit is said to wander these lands, serving as a reminder of the tragic witch hunts that gripped the region in the 16th and 17th centuries (Seiler, 2021).
The Hexenhaus and the Wisdom of the Witches
A particularly symbolic structure in this region is the Hexenhaus, or Witch’s House. These small wooden dwellings, often built in secluded areas of the forest, are more than mere relics of folklore. They symbolize the deep connection between humankind and nature. Traditionally, they were places where witches and healers would gather herbs, craft charms, and perform rituals to channel the earth’s natural energies.
Far from the sinister figures of modern witchcraft tales, many of these Hexe were wise women skilled in herbal medicine, revered for their knowledge of healing plants. Although prevalent today, Hexen was not always the most common German term for witches. It derives from the Old High German Hagazussa, the name for the female spirit in Nordic mythology and symbolizing a “hedge witch,” which highlights their role as keepers of the boundary between the natural and supernatural worlds (Brauner, 1995). These women lived on the fringes of society, gathering the plants and wisdom that would help heal their communities. You can still find these wood huts today, often used by farmers and local groups.
Connecting with Nature Through Folklore
As a practitioner of ecopsychology and natural healing, these local legends offer profound insights into how we relate to nature. The Hexen remind us that we are not separate from the world around us, but integral parts of a larger, living ecosystem. Their connection to the land and the unseen forces that animate the natural world serve as an invitation for us to cultivate a more harmonious and reciprocal relationship with our environment.
In an age where many feel increasingly disconnected from nature, the wisdom of the Hexen beckons us to return to our roots. By honoring the rhythms of the earth and recognizing the delicate balance that sustains all life, we can foster a deeper sense of well-being and resilience.
Schwarzwald Hexen: A Journey into Myth and Healing
Exploring the legends of the Schwarzwald Hexen is not just a journey into myth, but a call to reconnect with the cultural and ecological heritage of the Black Forest. These stories serve as a reminder that healing, community, and balance with nature are as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
Journey through the Schwarzwald and explore more about the Schwarzwald Hexen, local legends, & healing properties of the Black Forest in our retreats and Waldbaden programs. Waldbaden offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the healing powers of the forest. You can bathe in the tranquility of the forest and also experience the profound benefits for both mental and physical health. Research indicates that spending time in nature can lead to:
Reduced stress levels: The serene environment helps lower cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and calmness (Park, 2010)
Improved immune function: Exposure to phytoncides, natural chemicals released by trees, enhances immune system activity (Won, 2011)
Enhanced mood and energy: Participants often report feelings of rejuvenation and a decrease in anxiety and depressive symptoms (Barton, 2010; Park, 2011; Mao, 2012)
Whether you are drawn to the mysticism of these witches or the practical wisdom they offer, the Black Forest's rich folklore continues to inspire and captivate. By embracing the enchantment and lore of this landscape, we welcome the opportunity to heal our relationship with the natural world, finding wisdom and well-being along the way. The witches of the Black Forest serve as cultural connectors, linking past traditions with present-day practices, representing a complex cultural identity that blends history, nature, and spiritual wisdom. They offer valuable insights into the region’s heritage and the enduring power of folklore. The Hexen, well represented in stories, festivals, and symbols, continue to remind us of their deep roots to Schwarzwald culture, and their connection to nature.
Author & Photographer: Justine Ferland
Justine Ferland is a passionate psychologist, educator, and coach who brings over 20 years of experience to her work. As the founder of SEELEDU, she specializes in integrating nature for enhanced well-being.
Resources
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Seiler, J. (2021). Als rund um den Schartenberg in Bühlertal Hexen tanzten. Badische Neueste Nachrichten. https://bnn.de/mittelbaden/buehl/buehlertal/hexentanz-schartenberg-hexenverfolgung-tour-schwarzwald-guide
Steidel, A. (2024). Schwarzwald: Der Larvenschnitzer. https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/schwarzwald/online-magazin/schwarzwaelder-koepfe/der-larvenschnitzer
Gfäll-Hexen Simonswald e.V. (2024). https://www.xn--gfll-hexen-r5a.de/entstehung-sage/
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