Hajener Hungerstein, Natural monument in Emmerthal, Germany
The Hajener Hungerstein is a sandstone block on the Weser River that marks low water conditions and measures roughly 1.5 by 1.8 meters. The stone rises about 0.8 meters above the ground and sits on the western bank where it becomes visible when water levels drop.
The stone was marked by people during droughts, with inscriptions dating from 1947 to 1991 that show how often the river ran low. This period reveals repeated dry cycles that affected the Weser River's water flow across several decades.
The stone carries engravings of years and initials left by local people, showing how droughts shaped life in the region. These markings connect the community to a shared history of water scarcity and its effects on their lives.
The stone sits on the western bank of the Weser at kilometer 119.7 and becomes visible when water levels drop below 1.18 meters. Visitors should check current water conditions before visiting, as the stone is only accessible during specific water levels.
The stone vanished mysteriously in August 1996 and was later rediscovered during dredging work in the river. Its return to its original spot shows how much the community valued this marker, bringing it back to where it belonged.
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