Greifensteine, Natural monument and summit in Zwönitz, Germany.
Greifensteine is a group of seven granite rock formations in the Ore Mountains that remain from a once-larger collection of stones. The main formation rises to about 731 meters and defines the landscape around Ehrenfriedersdorf with its distinctive shape.
The site originally had thirteen stone towers before granite quarrying in the early twentieth century drastically reduced their number. By the 1920s, only seven formations remained, marking the shift from a larger geological group to what stands today.
The rock towers have long served as a gathering place for the local community and visitors. Today, the site hosts outdoor performances and events, making the stones a living part of how people in the region come together.
The site is accessible on foot, with stairs leading up to viewing platforms on the highest rocks. The best views across the surrounding towns require climbing to the top, so plan time for the walk up.
The rocks hold more than fifty different mineral types, including andalusite, beryl, and various garnets, making them particularly interesting for mineral collectors. This geological variety makes the site a surprising destination for anyone drawn to rocks and stones.
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