Ettringer Lay, Former basalt quarry in Ettringen, Germany.
Ettringer Lay is a former basalt quarry with steep mining canyons bordered by lava rock walls rising to about 40 meters. The exposed walls reveal the geological layers that were uncovered during centuries of extraction work.
Stone extraction for building materials and paving began here on a large scale about 150 years ago. Operations continued until the 1970s, when mining activities gradually ceased.
Life-size steel sculptures set throughout the quarry depict stone breakers and soup carriers, representing the daily work and routines of former mining workers. These figures serve as reminders of the people who labored here.
The site is accessible year-round without entry restrictions or designated hours. Visitors should be prepared for uneven ground, steep paths, and potential rockfall hazards.
Early 20th-century mining equipment such as pit cranes and rail tracks remain preserved within the quarry walls as physical evidence of industrial operations. These mechanical remnants offer direct insight into how miners worked here.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
