Externsteine
Horn-Bad Meinberg, Germany
A group of tall sandstone pillars rising out of the Teutoburg Forest, with steps and a bridge leading to rock chambers and a carved relief. Visit early or on a weekday, as it is a popular excursion spot.
The Externsteine near Horn-Bad Meinberg in the Teutoburg Forest are a group of 13 sandstone rocks rising up to about 38 m above the surrounding ground. They are of natural origin: through tectonic movement, the sandstone was tilted upright from about 70 million years ago. Stone tools from the Palaeolithic (around 10,000 BC) show early, temporary use of the area.
The famous relief of the Descent from the Cross dates from the 12th century and is regarded as the oldest monumental rock relief north of the Alps. From the 14th century hermits lived in the rock chambers. A pre-Christian cult use is a popular idea but is not supported by archaeological evidence. Between half a million and a million people visit each year, and it is especially crowded on Walpurgis Night and at the summer solstice. Allow about one to two hours and come early in the day or on a weekday.
- Nearest town
- Horn-Bad Meinberg, Germany
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 51.8683, 8.9183
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Germany: No motorway tolls for cars. No general motorway speed limit (130 km/h advised) and no tolls for cars.
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Wohnmobilhafen ExternsteineMotorhome stopover1 km from Externsteine · 26 pitchesCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Wohnmobilstellplatz am Heinrich-Drake-PlatzMotorhome stopover5 km from Externsteine · 6 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Wohnmobilstellplatz DetmoldMotorhome stopover7 km from Externsteine · 10 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping EggewaldCampsite7 km from ExternsteineTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Wohnmobilhafen SchiederseeMotorhome stopover18 km from Externsteine · 300 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Camping am LippeseeCampsite20 km from ExternsteineTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Germany · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Externsteine?
Externsteine is in Horn-Bad Meinberg, Germany, at GPS 51.8683, 8.9183. It is about 40 km from Hamelin.
Can you camp near Externsteine?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Wohnmobilhafen Externsteine, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 43 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Externsteine?
Places worth a stop nearby: Hermannsdenkmal (7 km), Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe (70 km), Edersee Dam (76 km) and Rammelsberg Mine (103 km).
When is the best time to visit Externsteine?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)