Barbarine, Rock formation near Pfaffendorf, Germany
The Barbarine is a 42-meter sandstone needle standing at the base of Pfaffenstein mountain in Saxon Switzerland. This rock formation has a distinctive columnar shape that rises prominently from the surrounding forest landscape.
The formation was first climbed in 1905 by climbers Rudolf Fehrmann and Oliver Perry-Smith, marking an important mountaineering achievement. It became a protected geological monument in 1977 following lightning damage that had struck in 1944.
The name comes from a local legend about a girl named Barbara who was turned to stone according to folk tradition. This story remains part of the region's identity and shapes how locals see this rock formation.
The rock can be observed from hiking trails that pass through the area. As a protected formation, climbing is not permitted and visitors should maintain a safe distance from the base.
Specialized climbers conduct regular safety inspections to assess the stability and check for cracks or weathering of the rock. These ongoing evaluations help ensure this landmark remains safe for the future.
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