Riesenstein, Natural monument in Wolfershausen, Germany.
Riesenstein is a large sandstone block standing about 4.7 meters (15 ft) high and 4.6 meters (15 ft) wide, with a thickness near 1 meter (3 ft) along the Eder River. The stone sits in open landscape and can be viewed from several angles.
Excavations at the base revealed human remains from the Neolithic period, dating back around 3000 BC. These discoveries suggest the site held significance for people across many millennia.
The name Riesenstein comes from local folklore about two giants who fought over a woman named Nagathe, with legends suggesting they threw this stone at each other. Local storytelling keeps this tale alive among those who visit.
The stone is reachable from the paved road by following signs, about 1.1 kilometers north of the village. The site is accessible on foot and you can walk around the stone from most angles.
This quartzite block weighs around 37 metric tons, making it heavier than individual stones at Stonehenge in England. The massive size speaks to the remarkable effort required to move such a weight.
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