of mining on the Meißner is given by the so-called Stinksteinwand ("stinking stone wall"), located above Schwalbenthal on the east face of the mountain. In former times coal was extracted there, by sub-surface mining. This coal was prone to spontaneous combustion, and for centuries people on the surface have seen and smelled the smoke from the smoldering fires in the subterranean coal seams. Even in recent times all attempts to extinguish these fires have failed, so that one can often notice a sulfur-like smell—sometimes quite strong—at the Schwalbenthal parking lot or beyond. Slightly below the Stinksteinwand lies the Gasthaus Schwalbenthal inn, the last remaining building in a mining industry settlement of about 10 houses, demolished because of the danger of landslides. Bransrode: Bransrode, on the northwest side of the mountain massif, is the site of the last sub-surface coal mine in the area, which was closed in 1929. Immediately thereafter, the quarrying of basalt began, which continued until 2003. Kalbe (former open pit mine): From 1949 to 1974 lignite coal was mined at Kalbe. Since then, the former mine has filled with water which is up to 30 m deep and which has a surface area of 20,000 m². The pit's impressive basalt shelves rise above the lake. In order to access the coal seams, the basalt over it had to be removed. It was dumped down the mountain slope, where it formed piles which can be seen today. Transmission facility The Hoher Meissner transmitter is a facility for medium-wave, FM- and TV-broadcasting. The complex is made up of three guyed lattice steel masts, the tallest of which is 220 metres high, and a 40-metre free-standing lattice tower. See also Frau-Holle-Teich References External links Mountains of Hesse Natural regions of the East Hesse Highlands North Hesse