Here I am in Germany with my daughter and 3 of my grandaughters to celebrate my grandsons 1st wedding anniversary with Lucia’s friends and family who were unable to attend the celebrations in Fiji last year. We have only been here a couple of days and already we have done so much. This morning we set off bright and early to go sightseeing. After visiting Adlerwarte Berlebeck to see the Birds of Prey in Flight show, Seb is now taking us to see the Externsteine sandstone rock formations. This is an ancient site located in the Teutoburg forest near the town of Horn-Bad Meinberg. It consists of vertical outcroppings of erosion resistant sandstone that got its start in the early Cretaceous period, around 100 million years ago. So it’s pretty old and pretty impressive.
A Little Bit of Extensteine Background
Archaeological excavations uncovered some Upper Palaeolithic stone tools dating from about 9,600BC to 10,700BC. There doesn’t appear to be evidence of any long term settlement at that time and it is believed that the stones may have provided temporary shelter to the nomadic tribes of the time.
There has been no archeological evidence found to show that the site was used between the end of the Upper Paleolithic era and the Carolingian period (9th century). Artefacts that were uncovered during excavations in 1934-1935 were found to be either from the Mesolithic Ahrensburg culture or to the Medieval period. There is speculation that the site was once a sacred pagan place of worship, although no evidence has been found to support this claim, and an astronomical calendar among other things. What is known is that Christian Monks settled in the area around the 700’s and it was they who carved the stairs and the reliefs. You can read more about this fascinating site here.
Whatever its past purpose, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take a look around the site. Unfortunately we only have time to walk around the outside of the rock formations as we need to be back in Steinhagen to meet Lucia’s grandmother and some of her friends that are arriving this afternoon.
An interesting feature is that the formation is a natural outcrop of sandstone in a region that is largely devoid of rocks. The rock formation starts in the forest where most of the rocks are covered in soil and it stretches for several hundred meters. The main structure consists of tall columns of rock. Tourists clamber over the structures to investigate the caves and the wall carvings, and eagerly climb the stairs to the take in the view from the top. The tallest tower structure rises 37.5 metres from the base.
The pond at the base of the structure is man made and was created in the 19th century. It provides a refuge for water birds. It’s very peaceful and relaxing for those who have the time to sit and just enjoy the serenity.
As we get closer to the rock formation we can see what appear to be windows with bars. I don’t know if this is a modern addition to stop people from falling out or climbing in, or if these were cells in a bygone era.
This appears to be an open rock tome which is situated in a round arch niche. It may have once had a lid and housed a body of someone important – who knows!
There is a coat of arms carved into the rock. It’s quite a distance up from the ground.
This is a view of the relief representing Christ’s Descent from the Cross. the relief measures 4.8 metres by 3.7 metres. The relief is carved into the side of the Externsteine Sandstone formation.
One last look at this magnificent natural structure and it’s time to head home for cake and coffee. I have marked down another visit to this site next time I am in Germany, and next time I will allow time to go into the formation to see the caves, carvings and take the stairs to the top.
Leave a Reply