In the Bingen Forest in Germany, near the Reichenstein Castle, there are 66 faces carved into the tree trunks. These faces consisting of elves, ghosts, goblins, and trolls are lined in a kilometer-long hiking trail known as Steckeschläferklamm. The faces were carved by Franz Kellermeier in 1971.
The faces of the Bingen Forest are a public art project that got their name from a wandering group from Weiler, who opened the side valley of the Morgenbach River, which flows next to the faces, by building small footbridges and wooden bridges. In time, because of vandalism and the weather conditions, many of the carvings were harmed. Sometime later, committed people came together to renovate the damaged faces. Each face has its character and shows a different emotion. According to a belief, these faces of mythical creatures also contain their souls.
