The “Michele Witsch”

For generations, the rock cellar at Plauelrain has been the subject of legendary tales in Durbach. The “Michele Witsch” is said to have once haunted the area. According to the old legend, he could primarily be encountered at Plauelrain near the so-called “beer cellar” or in its immediate vicinity. He was said to be an old Russian soldier, often described as wearing a slouch hat and a long coat. All sorts of pranks and ghostly encounters with him were said to have occurred.

He sometimes frightened young couples if they were near him at dusk or at night. Michele Witsch must have been quite a heavy drinker, too, because he often had affairs with people who enjoyed a drink. Children who misbehaved were also threatened with having to deal with Michele Witsch if they didn’t behave themselves. In any case, “spirits” were the reason for the construction of the rock cellar.