Frauensteine, Stone formation in Aaper Forest, Düsseldorf, Germany

Frauensteine is a small group of rocks in the Aaper Wald forest of Düsseldorf; about ten of the stones are longer than one metre. They consist of Zementquarzit, a hard quartzite formed when red-yellow Oligocene sea sands were cemented by silicic acid. Larger blocks of the same rock occur elsewhere in the Grafenberger Wald and Aaper Wald.

The stones formed roughly 35 million years ago during the Oligocene epoch when sea sediments hardened into quartzite through silica processes. This makes them remnants of an ancient marine environment that once covered the area.

The stones carry several names: Witte Wiewerkes (white or wise little women), Weise Frauen and Siebenstein. Their exact origin is unknown. Legends claim the site served as a place of sacrifice, refuge or worship in early times, but no concrete evidence supports these claims.

The site can be reached via marked hiking paths from multiple entry points around Aaper Forest. Wearing sturdy footwear is advisable since the forest ground is uneven and can be slippery after rain.

The stones are also called Siebenstein, Witte Wiewerkes or Weise Frauen, but the origin of these names is unknown. Legends claim the site served as a sacrifice, refuge or cult place in early times; no evidence supports this.