Blockheide, Nature reserve and museum in Gmünd, Austria
Blockheide is a nature reserve and protected area near Gmünd featuring a landscape of granite boulders, meadows, mixed forests, small lakes, and fields. A walking path winds through these different environments, with an observation tower providing views over the surrounding region.
The area was placed under protection in 1961, marking the start of conservation efforts in the Waldviertel region. This early designation helped preserve the geological formations and natural habitats for future generations.
The granite blocks here carry names like Christophorusstein and Teufelsbett that come from local stories and traditions passed down through generations. These names show how people in the region have understood and connected with this landscape over time.
The park is open only during warmer months and offers several walking trails of varying lengths through the area. Wear sturdy shoes and allow time to explore the different rock formations and the observation tower.
The park features Wackelsteine, massive granite boulders balanced on tiny contact points that can actually rock back and forth when touched. These unusual formations developed over millions of years through erosion and weathering, showing how granite shapes into such remarkable structures under certain conditions.
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