Rock towers
Odd shapes.
Freak-Line-Community — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Freak-Line-Community — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Dm Bsg — CC BY 3.0 · Berthold Kleine-Vorholt — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Dm Bsg — CC BY 3.0
The Externsteine is a striking sandstone rock formation in the Teutoburg Forest, near the town of Horn-Bad Meinberg in the Lippe district of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, about 8 km southeast of Detmold in a straight line. The formation is a tor of several tall, narrow rock columns rising abruptly from the surrounding wooded hills, and the Hermannsweg long-distance trail passes through it. The oldest recorded forms of its name date from 1093, and the origin of the name is unclear. In the Middle Ages the rocks were used as a hermitage, and carvings and old chambers are cut into the stone. The grey rock towers stand side by side in odd shapes, two of them linked by a small bridge at the top, surrounded by dense forest with a small lake at their foot reflecting the rocks. In autumn the trees around them turn red and gold. Visitors stroll the paths around the rocks and along the lake, and some climb the carved steps to viewing platforms on top of the towers for views over the Teutoburg Forest. The steps are narrow and steep, so take care; weekdays are quieter.
Odd shapes.
Between two towers.
At their foot.
Horn-Bad Meinberg, Lippe, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Yes, by steps to viewing platforms.
Autumn for colour; weekdays are quieter.