#externsteine

Yesterday I visited the Externsteine near Detmold in Germany. A distinctive sandstone rock formation located in the Teutoburg forest. A very long drive from our home.

The Externsteine are by some identified as a sacred site of Germanic tribes, and the possible location of the Irminsul reportedly destroyed by Charlemagne. There is a round hole on top of the most upper stone, that maybe supports the idea of an inserted pillar on top; the Axis Mundi.

At the east of the Höhenkammer is an apse with a circular window and an altar. It has been noted that the sun shines directly through this window at sunrise at summer solstice (Wolfhard Schlosser / Jan Cierny. Sterne und Steine. Eine praktische Astronomie der Vorzeit (German). Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft. Darmstadt. 1996. p.93-95).

Archaeological excavations have yielded some Paleolithic stone tools dating to about 10,700 BC from 9,600 BC. Beneath a rock overhang arrow heads and blades were found. Evidence of fire sites was also found.

Nearby is also the "Hermann Memorial" or Hermannsdenkmal to commemorate the Cherusci war chief Arminius (in German: Hermann) and his victory over the Romans at the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD. Experts say the battle itself took place many kilometers to the north-west. The statue is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany with over half a million visitors a year.

It was really interesting! There were several people doing meditations, playing spiritual music, and i saw at least 2 altars on the path through the forest to the stones.

You can read about the Externsteine and their history here (be aware tho that they're a little controversial & a popular destination for n*zis)

I didn't go up them cause i have a fear of heights, but they were pretty impressive nonetheless.

Here's another picture (not taken by me):