Eiserner Mann, Iron pillar in Kottenforst-Ville Nature Park, Germany
The Eiserner Mann stands 120 centimeters above ground as a cast iron pillar with a T-shaped base extending one meter into the soil.
First documented in 1625 as a border marker between Alfter and Heimerzheim, the pillar was relocated to its current position in 1727 by Prince Elector Clemens.
The iron pillar sparked discussions among researchers about medieval engineering capabilities and material science developments in historical Germany.
Located at an intersection of paths created in the early 18th century, the pillar serves as a meeting point for hikers exploring the nature park.
Metallurgical tests from the 1970s revealed the pillar was cast in an earth trench using medieval iron processing methods, displaying minimal rust despite its age.
Location: Alfter
Height: 120 cm
Made from material: cast iron
GPS coordinates: 50.70750,6.96111
Latest update: May 27, 2025 14:03
Schloss Alfter
4.8 km
Burg Heimerzheim
3.2 km
Kriegshoven Castle
4.4 km
Burg Morenhoven
4.8 km
St. Mariä Heimsuchung
3.9 km
St. Katharina
3.1 km
Herrenhaus Buchholz
4.7 km
Alte Burg
4.4 km
St. Matthäus
4.8 km
Siebenschuss
730 m
Tongrube Witterschlick
4.8 km
Hertersplatz 13
4.7 km
Pfarrkirche St. Jakobus
4.5 km
Friedensweg Alfter-Roisdorf
4.7 km
St. Mariä Himmelfahrt (Oedekoven)
4.5 km
Altes Kloster (Heimerzheim)
3.5 km
St. Lambertus (Witterschlick)
4.7 km
Evangelische Versöhnungskirche Buschhoven
3 km
Wasserturm (Gielsdorf)
4.1 km
St. Nikolaus
4.8 km
St. Mariä Vermählung
4.4 km
Jüdischer Friedhof
3.6 km
Evangelische Kirche
4.9 km
Kiesgrube Flerzheim
5 km
St. Kunibert
3.4 km
Mutter-Gottes-Kapelle
4.1 km
Swistniederung bei Miel
4.3 km
Judas-Thaddäus-Kapelle
3.5 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes