A powerless sorceressThe Witch's Bite
A strong iron ring hangs on the gate tower at Heidelberg Castle, but it bears a crack. According to myth, a witch is said to have tried to bite through the ring—in vain—in order to gain ownership of the castle.
Heidelberg Castle
Truly romantic: the world-famous ruins
The gate tower at Heidelberg Castle.
A castle as a gift
Heidelberg Castle still has a heavy wooden door in the gate tower. A small gate cut into the door once provided access for pedestrians. A heavy iron ring served as a knocker and was used to alert the guard that someone was there. At the time, the story in Heidelberg was: Whoever could bite through the iron ring would be gifted the castle and everything in it.
The iron ring on the gate tower is missing a piece.
A witch takes a tough bite
Even a witch is said to have visited the castle. A chance to own the proud residence drew her in, and she attempted to bite through the iron ring. However, her magical powers were not enough and her teeth broke on the hard metal. Angry, she left Heidelberg Castle, leaving behind proof of her attempt on the entrance gate, the "Witch's Bite."