Les Externsteine

Horn-Bad Meinberg

Thirteen sandstone blades standing upright in the middle of the Teutoburg Forest, and on one of them the largest monumental relief carved directly into rock north of the Alps: a Descent from the Cross nearly five meters tall, dated by art historians to around 1160-1170. An inscription in the main chamber mentions a consecration in 1115, but its authenticity is disputed. Church records attest a chapel and hermitage from 1366 and until the 17th century. An upper chamber with an apse, a round window and an altar occupies the top of the Turmfels; below it, an open sarcophagus cut into the sandstone.

Getting there : Free access to the park; ticketed climb up the rocks from April to early November, by stairs only

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound