Rinsleyfelsen, natural monument
Rinsleyfelsen is a rock formation that rises prominently above the surrounding trees on the southern slope of Rinsenberg, near the village of Saalhausen in Lennestadt. The main outcrop stands approximately 15 to 20 meters high with a jagged, rough surface and features a summit cross visible from a distance.
The rock formation was created approximately 400 million years ago during volcanic activity in a prehistoric sea and consists of volcanic ash and crystal-rich tuffs. Over countless centuries, wind and rain gradually shaped the stone into the jagged peaks and ledges visible today.
The rocks are known to locals as a defining landmark of their region and are regularly visited by families and hikers seeking a quiet outdoor experience. People often gather here to walk, take photographs, or simply spend time surrounded by the forested hillsides.
The site is easily accessible by car with parking areas nearby for visitors and can be reached via marked hiking trails from Saalhausen and the Gleietal valley. A safety handrail has been installed along the most exposed sections to aid with navigation and climbing.
Many visitors photograph the rocks at different times of day, particularly at sunrise or sunset when the light creates dramatic shifts in how the stone surfaces appear. Local legends also speak of a hidden cave nearby that can be explored on special occasions.
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