Buzz
Almost every culture and nation across the globe has its own set of eerie, mythical creatures embedded in their folklore. Throughout history, our ancestors have passed down spooky stories and chilling legends about strange beings that lurk in the dark. Just like any other place on Earth, Germany is home to its own share of unsettling tales. And honestly… they’re seriously creepy.
In this list, we’ll explore ten spine-chilling mythical creatures believed to have roamed (or maybe still roam!) the lands of Germany. Centuries ago, these terrifying monsters were the subject of stories passed down through generations, with people claiming to have encountered these beasts lurking in the shadows, waiting for their next victim. Now, we’re sharing these stories with you. We suggest you maybe save this list for daylight hours—things might get a little spooky!
10. The Bahkauv
The Bahkauv is a legendary monster said to inhabit the forests and open fields surrounding Aachen, Germany. Typically described as a twisted, deformed calf with long, sharp fangs, this beast is believed to primarily target drunken men wandering through the cities, woods, forests, and paths in the area. Its ominous presence has been feared for generations.
Legend has it that the Bahkauv most frequently hides in bodies of water such as streams, fountains, and even sewers. With the abundance of thermal springs surrounding Aachen, it’s easy to see why the Bahkauv would make its home there. When night falls and the men of Aachen begin to indulge in drinks at the local bars and pubs, that’s when the Bahkauv emerges. According to the myth, the creature targets drunken men by latching onto their shoulders, forcing them to carry its weight for a while before finally attacking and killing the unsuspecting, intoxicated victim.
The Bahkauv also has various cultural anecdotes surrounding it. One such legend tells that Pippin the Younger once killed a sleeping Bahkauv after finding it near a spring. The people of Aachen, living in constant awe—and fear—of this mythical creature, have even built statues to honor it. Twice!
The first statue of the Bahkauv was built in 1902. However, during World War II, it was melted down for its metal to be repurposed for military use. In 1967, the town finally erected a second statue, which still stands in the heart of Aachen today.
9. The Aufhocker
The Aufhocker (sometimes called the 'huckup') is a shapeshifting creature from German folklore, whose name translates to 'leap upon.' It is said to ambush people by jumping onto their backs and burdening them until they collapse from exhaustion. While the Aufhocker primarily targets thieves and criminals, it has been known to attack solitary travelers and even elderly women.
Because the Aufhocker is a shapeshifter, there are numerous theories regarding its appearance. Some legends describe it as a goblin-like creature, while others claim it takes the form of a beautiful woman. Some stories even depict it as a creepy, reanimated corpse. Regardless of how it looks, it is said to hide in the shadows near bridges, pathways, and deep within dark forests. Once it leaps onto someone's back, it’s almost impossible to rid yourself of it. It will weigh you down until you can no longer bear the burden, collapsing under the pressure before you can make it home.
The Aufhocker is often seen as a metaphor. Modern folklorists suggest that it symbolizes the emotional weight and psychological traumas we carry. Its tendency to target elderly women is also symbolic, representing the common fears people have surrounding aging and death.
Some believe the Aufhocker's origin stems from a need to explain sleepwalking, sleep paralysis, and night terrors. In an era when medical explanations were scarce, German peasants turned to folklore to explain these mysterious afflictions. And thus, the Aufhocker was born!
8. The Morbach Monster
Thomas Schwytzer, a man believed to have been part of Napoleon Bonaparte’s army, is said to have deserted the French military during their retreat from Russia in 1812. Seeking a new life, he fled to Germany, where he joined forces with other Russian deserters. Faced with the need for food, shelter, and money, they resorted to banditry.
Soon after, they came across a farmhouse in the village of Morbach, Germany. There, Schwytzer and the Russian deserters allegedly slaughtered the farmer and his sons. The farmer’s wife was a witness to the gruesome killings, and, horrified by the events, she cursed Thomas. She proclaimed that he would transform into a wolf on the next full moon. Unfazed by the curse, Thomas is said to have killed the woman by crushing her skull.
When the next full moon arrived, Thomas indeed transformed, taking on wolf-like qualities. He began terrorizing the surrounding farms of Morbach, growing increasingly brutal in his raids. His violent actions and bloodthirsty behavior alarmed his gang, who eventually became so terrified that they deserted him. Left on his own, Thomas embraced his wolf-like nature fully, attacking and killing both humans and animals every night, as a wolf would.
For years, Thomas continued his ruthless raids on the farms near Morbach. Then, one day, he set his sights on a farmer’s daughter named Elizabeth Beierle. The villagers, enraged by Schwytzer’s violent spree and angered that the beloved Beierle was now among his victims, tracked him down to his hideout in the forest.
Schwytzer attempted to flee but was eventually cornered and killed in the small village of Wittlich, located about 40 miles (64 km) from Morbach. Fearing he might return as a werewolf, the villagers buried him beneath a shrine to the Virgin Mary. They surrounded the shrine with candles, taking turns to ensure the flames never went out, believing this ritual would keep the werewolf from returning.
For centuries after, even into modern times, a shrine has remained at the supposed site of Schwytzer’s burial. The villagers believed that as long as the shrine was maintained, the werewolf could never return to resume his killing spree under the full moon. However, the true story of Schwytzer remains clouded in mystery, with much of it either exaggerated or fabricated over time.
Even today, Morbach remains vigilant, always on guard to prevent the return of the most fearsome creature the town has ever faced.
7. The Glühschwanz
The Glühschwanz, also known as the “glowtail,” is one of the most peculiar creatures in German folklore. Often depicted as a glowing, dragon-like ghost, the legend says the Glühschwanz would soar above villages at night, casting a glow on rooftops with its radiant tail. The creature would then target certain chimneys, those of homes believed to harbor witches, and descend into them.
Once inside, the Glühschwanz would leave behind gifts such as grain, sweets, or even money—but only if the witches had first placed sweet milk out for the creature. If the milk was absent, however, the Glühschwanz would retaliate by setting the chimney ablaze before flying away. Imagine Santa Claus with a bit more of a fiery temper! Over time, the Glühschwanz also became a symbol of morality. If someone in the village was caught wronging others, whether through dishonesty or theft, the Glühschwanz would expose their deeds by lighting up their home for the entire village to see.
This was a bit like a scarlet letter—but far more intense! Sometimes, the Glühschwanz would even drop something unpleasant, like spoiled meat, into the chimney, filling the house with a foul stench for weeks. Think of the Glühschwanz as the village’s conscience. If you treated your neighbors poorly, the glowtail would show up to call you out. You could almost say it was an early form of cancel culture.
However, the Glühschwanz wasn't all bad. There was a positive side to the creature as well: if you were an honest and diligent person, it was known to drop coins down your chimney at random. You’d wake up to find a little extra cash, which would inspire you to keep doing good deeds throughout the day to keep the good fortune flowing. Sounds like a pretty cool dragon, don’t you think?
6. The Klagmuhme
The Klagmuhme is certainly one of the most chilling figures in German folklore. Think of her as Germany’s version of the Irish banshee. She is infamous for her eerie, blood-curdling cries. Whenever her wails are heard, it’s an omen that death is near—either for the listener or someone close to them. Her cries fill people with an overwhelming dread, and she is feared as a bringer of misfortune and sorrow, with tragedy often following in her wake.
Typically, the Klagmuhme is described as a howling black dog. However, other variations of the tale depict her as a distressed white goose, a dove, a gray cat, a three-legged sheep, or even a fiery toad. In some regions, she is said to take the form of a calf with glowing red eyes. In other stories, she’s a massive sheep who mourns and warns of impending death but will lash out violently against anyone who dares to challenge her in the woods at night.
The most common depiction, however, is of an old woman. This version of the Klagmuhme often wears a black dress and a three-cornered hat. Her eyes shine with an eerie glow, and her skin is ghostly pale. The crux of the myth revolves around her mournful wailing. When she wails, it is said that she summons the sick and destitute to her, signaling that they will soon die. To protect loved ones from her wail and possibly keep them alive, legend suggests throwing the clothing of a sick person outside. If the Klagmuhme takes the clothing, death is inevitable, but if she leaves it untouched, there is hope for recovery.
Fortunately, the Klagmuhme doesn’t typically cause physical harm to people. (Well, unless you approach her when she’s in the form of a massive sheep and try to get in her way.) However, the emotional and psychological impact she has is truly unparalleled. Her mournful wails are said to instill fear in everyone within earshot. Even those who have no connection to the ill or dying person she’s linked to are reported to feel the deep and lingering effects of her presence. Once her eerie 'u-u-u!' cries echo in your mind, they’re said to haunt you forever, never leaving your thoughts...
5. The Buschgroßmutter
The Buschgroßmutter is a mythical figure from the folklore of the German regions of Bohemia, Saxony, and Thuringia. She is a forest spirit who is said to reveal herself to humans only once every hundred years. Depicted as an old woman with a wrinkled face and piercing, unpleasant eyes, she has long, disheveled white hair that is infested with lice. Her clothes are tattered, and she carries a long stick, while her feet are always covered in moss.
At times, the Buschgroßmutter is kind to those she meets in the forest. She’ll kindly ask for help with tasks, like combing her hair. Those who treat her well are said to be rewarded with gifts, such as spools of yarn that magically transform into gold. But she also has a very vengeful side. If someone mocks her or insults her appearance, she will curse them. Her retaliation can be severe, ranging from causing life-threatening illnesses to stealing milk from cows and destroying crops in the fields.
Though usually a solitary being, the Buschgroßmutter is sometimes said to be accompanied by a group of forest spirits known as the Moosfräulein, who are considered to be her daughters. On sacred nights, the whole group is believed to travel the countryside in a cart. During these times, it’s best to avoid them entirely, as the Buschgroßmutter is at her most unpleasant when in this company and will often unleash her wrath on locals.
Over time, the Buschgroßmutter has come to be viewed as an ancient goddess, forever trapped in the forest. Some historians and folklorists from long ago believed she was the queen of forest spirits, almost like a living elf queen. Others, less charitably, saw her as a forest demon. Regardless of the interpretation, German mothers have long used the tale of the Buschgroßmutter to warn children not to wander into the woods. Germany’s forests are dark and unpredictable, children, and if you keep your distance, you’ll never encounter the Buschgroßmutter…
4. Petermännchen
Petermännchen, perhaps one of the friendliest yet oddest spirits in German folklore, is said to reside in Schwerin Palace. This small mythical being is described as no more than a few feet tall, making it easy for him to navigate the castle’s vaults and tunnels. As he roams the castle’s depths, he carries a set of keys, a lantern, and occasionally a sword. His purpose is to safeguard the palace from thieves, intruders, and other unsavory characters.
Despite his generally friendly nature, Petermännchen is known to cause trouble for those who dare intrude on Schwerin Palace. This includes playing pranks on robbers, which can range from harmless fun to severe punishment. He has a kind side as well, having been known to wake up soldiers who have dozed off during night watch, sparing them from punishment by their superiors.
Throughout the centuries, many people have claimed to see Petermännchen. Some describe him as an elderly man with long, flowing hair and a wild beard. Others say he appears more dashing, dressed in a military uniform, riding boots with spurs, and a feathered hat. Some versions even depict him with a shaved beard but a perfectly groomed mustache. Regardless of his appearance, one thing remains constant: Petermännchen has become a cherished figure in Schwerin.
3. The Bergmönch
The Bergmönch, also known as Meister Hämmerling, is a towering, monk-like spirit that roams the mountains. Legend describes him as a colossal being with white hair and fiery eyes, so large they are said to resemble dinner plates. His typical attire is a black, hooded cloak that gives him the appearance of a monk, which is how he came by his name.
Occasionally, the Bergmönch takes on the guise of a miner, working in the dark depths of the earth. As if that weren’t enough, the tales from German folklore also claim that he can shift into a horse with a long neck and glowing eyes. And when he wishes, he can even render himself invisible, moving unnoticed by human eyes.
The miner aspect is especially crucial to the Bergmönch’s legend. It is said that he resides deep within the mines of the high mountains, where he assists mortal miners with their tasks. On Fridays, he fills his bucket with ore and moves it to a new location. Miners must avoid angering him, for a reprimand could provoke his wrath. His breath is so toxic that it could kill twelve people in a single exhale, and his immense strength is enough to throw a miner with such force that their limbs could be shattered.
However, when miners manage to stay on the Bergmönch’s good side, they often benefit from his help. He is said to provide them with a limitless supply of lamp oil, keeping their lamps burning for years as they work. He is even known to assist his favorite miners by swiftly revealing hidden veins of gold and silver, making them fortunate in their mining pursuits.
And due to his immense size and strength, this enigmatic mountain monk is capable of completing an entire week’s worth of human labor in just an hour. Because of these remarkable abilities, German miners hold the Bergmönch in high regard, working tirelessly to ensure his contentment and prevent his wrath from falling upon them.
2. The Mara
In ancient tales from across Germany, particularly in the regions of Pomerania and Rügen, the Mara is a malevolent being that is said to visit people while they sleep. Most commonly, she causes horrific nightmares, but in more extreme cases, she induces sleep paralysis. Legend has it that she enters a person’s slumber and sits on their chest, making it nearly impossible for them to breathe. The victim becomes drenched in sweat and unable to speak, trapped in a nightmarish state until they are called by their baptismal name.
In most old stories, the Mara is depicted as a female figure. She is believed to enter a home through an unfinished hole in the wall, roof, open window, or even a chimney. Once inside, she cannot be driven away before she accomplishes her terrifying task of tormenting the sleeping individual.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to protect oneself from the Mara’s malicious visitations. In certain areas of Germany, locals offer her small pieces of buttered bread and cold water in an effort to appease her. Others suggest boiling water in a newly purchased jar and offering it as a strange peace offering to the Mara to avoid her wrath.
In some parts of Germany, it’s said that simply placing an upside-down pair of slippers near the bed will keep the Mara away for good. It may sound unusual, but honestly, it’s worth a shot. It’s far better to wake up with slippers turned upside down on your feet than to face the terrifying consequences of the worst sleep of your life.
1. The Doppelgänger
We’ve all heard the term “doppelgänger” before. In modern American English, it’s often used casually to refer to someone who looks strikingly similar to another person, usually in a lighthearted discussion about celebrity lookalikes. However, in German folklore, the doppelgänger carries a far more sinister and unsettling meaning. In ancient myths, the doppelgänger was considered the ghostly twin of a living person. Its appearance was viewed as an ominous sign that something dreadful was about to happen to the person it resembled. The term “doppelgänger,” which literally translates to “double walker” in German, only adds to the eerie connotation.
Interestingly, the traditional belief in German culture was that the doppelgänger served as a direct warning to the person it mirrored, signaling that misfortune was inevitable. Once the doppelgänger made its appearance, there was no avoiding the fate that awaited.
The mere sight of this spectral double wandering in the mortal world was enough to confirm that its human counterpart’s end was near. So, if you happen to encounter someone who looks disturbingly like you while out and about, it may be too late to escape your fate.
