Frauensteine, Stone formation in Aaper Forest, Düsseldorf, Germany
Frauensteine is a cluster of ten quartzite blocks each over one meter long, scattered naturally across the forest floor in Aaper Forest. The stones sit isolated among trees and undergrowth, forming no regular pattern.
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 acquired names like Witte Wiewerkes from local tradition, reflecting stories passed down about their possible role in ancient gatherings. This naming shows how deeply the formation is woven into the region's collective memory.
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 red and yellow sands surrounding the stones come from an even older period and hold traces of ancient marine life. This coloring makes it easy to spot the different layers of the forest floor.
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