Juratrockenhang mit der Felsgruppe "Zwölf Apostel", Nature reserve and rock formation in Solnhofen, Germany.
The Juratrockenhang with the Twelve Apostles rock formation is a nature reserve in Solnhofen covering roughly 15 hectares, consisting of twelve dolomite limestone pillars rising sharply from the ground. These towers stand at varying heights along the Altmühl River valley, creating a striking landscape of vertical stone formations.
The rock towers formed roughly 150 million years ago from a coral reef belt during the Jurassic period when this area was covered by a warm sea. Protection of the site began in 1984, preserving it as a nature reserve.
Sheep have grazed these slopes for centuries, creating the conditions for Mediterranean and southeastern European plants to thrive in the rocky terrain. Walking through the area reveals how human land management shaped this natural environment.
The site is best explored on foot or by bicycle using the Altmühl Panorama Path on the ridge above or the Altmühl Cycle Path along the valley floor. Wear sturdy shoes for the unpaved trails that wind through and around the rock formations.
The limestone towers display varied hues from cream to gray-green and host more than 180 rare plant species including sundrose and pasque flower. This abundance of plant life is remarkable considering the sparse, rocky terrain.
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