Externsteine

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

What to expect

The Externsteine is a striking sandstone rock formation in the Teutoburger Wald, standing about 40 meters high. It is a significant natural landmark in Germany, protected as a natural and cultural monument. The rocks are surrounded by the Wiembecketeich and a park-like area. The Externsteine are located in the Horn-Bad Meinberg area of North-Rhine-Westphalia. They have special cultural and historical significance, with various interpretations of their name, which is believed to be derived from the Germanic word 'ag-' meaning 'scharf, spitz, kantig' or 'Stein', and the word 'Egge' meaning 'Schneide, Saum, Bergrücken'. The formation is situated near the point where the Teutoburger Wald meets the Eggegebirge, and is close to the Wiembecke river, which flows into the Wiembecketeich at the foot of the rocks

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 ✨