Bruchhauser Steine natural monument

The Bruchhauser Steine natural monument, recognized as North Rhine-Westphalia's first National Natural Monument and National Geotope, presents an impressive combination of geological formation and cultural-historical depth. Around 390 million years ago, the four mighty rocks, including Bornstein (92m), Goldstein, Ravenstein and the accessible Feldstein, were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions in the Devonian period. Their hard quartz porphyry (rhyolite) forms the striking "Härtlinge" of the Rhenish Slate Mountains, which have been sculpted out of softer rock layers over millions of years of weathering.

The archaeological relevance can be seen in prehistoric traces of settlement; the rocks served as the corner bastions of a rampart, possibly a place of worship, which was used until the early Middle Ages. This establishes the Bruchhauser Steine as an important ground and cultural monument.

The Bruchhauser Steine also act as an important nature reserve. They are home to arctic-alpine plants, so-called "relict species" of the Ice Age, which survive under extreme climatic conditions. Rare bird species, such as peregrine falcons and eagle owls, also find a vital breeding ground here. A visitor center provides visitors with detailed information on geology, archaeology, flora and fauna. The climb up the Feldstein also offers extensive views of the Hochsauerland region.