The Externsteine were already of great importance to our ancestors during the Stone Age. The thirteen gray rocks, which are up to 35 m high, are a central mountain range of the Teutoburg Forest, mainly made of sandstone from the Lower Cretaceous period. The stones near Horn-Bad Meinberg are part of the nature reserve of the same name.
The "Stonehenge of the Teutoburg Forest" has been the subject of contradictory interpretations for centuries. Researchers and archaeologists are still studying the mystical stones. However, there are still no confirmed finds of Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age man. Even today, the summer solstice festivals and Walpurgis Night are an annual reminder of the mysticism of the Middle Ages. In addition to esotericists, you can meet (self-proclaimed) witches, druids, Celtic and Germanic religious communities who celebrate together.
The Deposition of the Cross relief at the heart of the complex was created around 1115 to 1130 on an area measuring approx. 5 x 3.6 meters. This unique work of large-scale German sculpture is carved out of rock in the style of Byzantine small-scale art and refers to the holy sites in Jerusalem.
More information about the Externsteine: www.externsteine.de
Good to know
Openings
January and February: Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 16:00
March, November & December: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
April to October: daily from 10:00 to 18:00
Opening hours for climbing the rocks:
Summer season (April - October): daily from 10:00 to 18:00
Winter season (November - March): Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 16:00
Subject to change
Price info
Adults: € 4.00 Children (up to 14 years): € 2.00
Combined ticket to climb the Externsteine and Hermannsdenkmal
The ascent of the two tourist highlights of Lippe at a special price available from April 1: Adults: € 6.00 Children (up to 14 years): € 3.00
General Information
Parking Available
Eligibility
for Groups
for families
for individual guests
Suitable for Pushchair
Other Furnishing/Equipment
Toilet
Directions & Parking facilities
Parking lot Externsteine
Place: 32805 Horn-Bad Meinberg
Street: Externsteiner Str. 33
By bus
On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays during the summer season, the tourist line 792 departs from Detmold every hour. The bus stop is located approx. 350m from the rock formation at the Externsteine parking lot - near the information center. On weekdays you can take the 782 line from Detmold via Horn to Bad Meinberg. Bus stop: Horn or Externsteine.
