| Hesselberg | |
|---|---|
 Hesselberg viewed from the west | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 689 m (2,260 ft) |
| Coordinates | 49°04′12″N 10°31′37″E / 49.07000°N 10.52694°E |
| Naming | |
| Pronunciation | German: [ˈhɛsəlbɛɐ̯k] |
| Geography | |
  Hesselberg Location in Germany | |
| Location | Middle Franconia, Germany |
| Parent range | Franconian Jura |
Hesselberg (pronounced [ˈhɛsl̩ˌbɛʁk] ; 689 m above sea level) is the highest point in Middle Franconia and the Franconian Jura and is situated 60 km south west of Nuremberg, Germany. The mountain stands isolated and far from the center of the Franconian Jura, in its southwestern border region, 4 km to the north west of Wassertrüdingen. The mountain's first recorded name was Öselberg, which probably derived from öder Berg (bleak mountain). This name later changed to Eselsberg and finally to the current name Hesselberg. As a butte the mountain provides an insight into Jurassic geology. It has also witnessed an eventful history, many incidents were handed down from generation to generation and these mixed with facts have become legends. Nowadays many people visit Hesselberg in order to enjoy nature and the wonderful vista. When the weather is clear the Alps 150 km away can be seen.
