Bruchhauser Steine Natural Monument

The Bruchhauser Steine Natural Monument, recognized as North Rhine-Westfalen’s first National Natural Monument and a National Geotope, offers an impressive combination of geological origins and cultural-historical significance. About 390 million years ago, the four massive rocks—including Bornstein (92 m), Goldstein, Ravenstein, and the accessible Feldstein—were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions during 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 by millions of years of weathering.

Their archaeological significance is evident in traces of prehistoric settlement; the rocks served as corner bastions of a fortification, possibly a place of worship, that was in use until the early Middle Ages. This establishes the Bruchhauser Steine as an important archaeological and cultural monument.

Furthermore, the Bruchhauser Steine serve as an important nature reserve. They are home to arctic-alpine plants—so-called “relict species” from the Ice Age—that 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, and flora and fauna. The climb up the Feldstein also offers sweeping views of the Hochsauerland region.