Externsteine, Germany
Idea About: place
Country: Germany
Externsteine, Germany
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Idea DescriptionGeneral Information
Country:
Germany (3)
Description
The Externsteine are rock formations located in the Teutoburger Wald region of northwestern Germany, not far from the city of Detmold, at Horn-Bad Meinberg. There are five huge rock pillars, the highest is 123 ft (37.5 m) which rise from the surrounding wooded hills. The name is believed to originate from "Stones of the Egge" where Egge means a ridge. This enchanted and mysterious place served as a pagan cultic center. In the Middle Ages, it was used by Christian hermits. Today, Externsteine is popular among followers of Neopaganism (the term includes a wide variety of modern religious movements, influenced by the pre-Christian pagan beliefs of Europe) and New Age Religion. There is a well preserved ruin of prehistoric temple on the top of the tallest pillar. It is not clear what was the original use of the temple and who built it, but it is obvious it was built according to astronomical orientations. The round opening has celestial alignments. It captures the position of the sun at sunrise on the summer solstice and the moon at its northern extreme. What Makes It Special
The Externsteine rocks are a pre-Christian sacred site. The findings from the Stone Age prove that people were there by 10,000 BC. After serving as a shrine for the Germanic tribes, the rocks became a place of pilgrimage during the Middle Ages. In the western pillar there is a grotto which was consecrated by Bishop of Paderborn as a Christian chapel in the 12th century. There is an inscription telling about this event, and the relief carved into the rocks on the left side of the entrance shows the descent of Jesus from the cross. The Externsteine are important pieces of art and history. Directions To Destination
The Externsteine are 7.5 miles (12 km) south of town Detmold and 1.25 miles (2 km) west of Horn-Bad Meinberg, a town in the Lippe district of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. You can get to Externsteine by: Best Time To Go
Any time of the year. If you want to see informal pagan festivals the best time is April 30 - May 1 (Walpurgis Nacht) and the summer solstice (June 21). Its celebration is associated with dancing and making bonfires. Where To Stay
Waldhotel Bärenstein hotel. This family-run hotel in the Teutoburg Forest offers free private parking and a free spa with pool. It is located in Horn-Bad Meinberg, a 15-minute walk from the Externsteine rock formation. Prices from €70 - to €130 per room
Activities
The enchanted Teutoburger Wald forest, where Externsteine is located, stretches over many miles from Lower Sachsony to North-Rhine-Westphalia, and is a home to a lot of outdoor sports such as hiking, mountain biking, walking and climbing. Useful Visitor Information and Tips
Externsteine rocks are tall and very impressive and can be viewed or even climbed (there are steps, protective railings, iron bridge between the columns and platforms with panoramic views) after paying an entrance fee. The entrance fee to the rock grave, the chapels and the climbing of the rocks is €1.50 per adult. Access to the site is free for pedestrians (there is a parking fee for vehicles). Additional InformationTags: Bishop of Paderborn; Detmold; Externsteine; Germany (3); Horn-Bad Meinberg; Lippe district of North Rhine-Westphalia; Teutoburger Wald fores; Walpurgis Nacht |
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