Externsteine

Natural Horn-Bad Meinberg, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

What to expect

The Externsteine is a distinctive sandstone rock formation located in the Teutoburg Forest, near the town of Horn-Bad Meinberg. The formation is a tor consisting of several tall, narrow columns of rock which rise abruptly from the surrounding wooded hills. It is a natural outcropping of sandstone in a region that is otherwise largely devoid of rocks. The Externsteine are among the most famous natural and cultural monuments in Germany and are sometimes referred to as 'the Stonehenge of the Teutoburg Forest'. The site has a mystical aura and is believed by some to have magical powers. The rocks have been shaped by human hands, with a Christian place of worship, a grotto, a grave, and an artistic relief depicting a biblical scene. The Externsteine are a great place to visit with family and friends, with opportunities to climb the rocks and take in the breathtaking views

Plan your family visit to the Externsteine with these blog insights 👇

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Teutoburg Forest: Hiking and camping in NRW

Teutoburg Forest: Hiking and camping in NRW
This family's experience:

Activities: We went to see the Externsteine, those vertically rising rocks that I had seen in so many photos and finally wanted to experience myself. We hiked on the Hermannsweg and enjoyed the views. We considered climbing the rocks, but it was too busy, so we enjoyed the view of the lake

Highlights: The rocks were really impressive, they reminded me of the Bastei in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The kids really enjoyed the view of the lake. It's a great place to visit even in winter ✨

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Externsteine in winter: Perfect family outing

Externsteine in winter: Perfect family outing
This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Externsteine, a popular destination. We walked around, enjoyed the scenery and climbed the rocks. "The path is not suitable for strollers and steep in places."

Highlights: The Externsteine are "a magical destination". The children enjoyed the "adventure" of the path and the climbing. "The Externsteine consist of several cliffs, a total of 13." ✨

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Weserbergland: Fabulous excursion tips

Weserbergland: Fabulous excursion tips
This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the curious rock formation, a really high-caliber excursion tip, even in winter. It is an ancient sanctuary

Highlights: The natural monument itself is clearly worth seeing, even if it can get very crowded on nice days ✨