Not only its relative height, but also its massive appearance make the hill a conspicuous high point in West Palatinate.

From the first decades of the 18th century until 1866, mining for the mercury mineral cinnabar was evidently carried out at Potzberg.

The government of the Electorate of the Palatinate promised itself new sources of income with the production of mercury.

Even today, numerous surface remnants in the Potzberg forest such as portals (Mundlöcher), collapsed tunnels (pingen), spoil tips, the gallery spring (Stollen Quelle, "Yellow Water") as well as the former mining administrator's house in the miners' settlement of Dreikönigszug and the housing estate of Kellerhäuschen are still reminiscent of the history of mining on the Potzberg.

After the construction of 165 wooden steps and a pedestal to the platform of the tower, it was opened on 13 July 1952 with about 3,000 guests present.

It takes place annually in November and is one of the Palatine Mountain Running Cup series.