Detailed description
The Druid Stone is an isolated basalt cone above the villages of Herkersdorf and Offhausen in the city of Kirchen (Sieg) in the Druid.Witch.Siegerland and is one of the outstanding geological attractions in Rhineland-Palatinate. It is located 450 m above sea level and rises about 20 m above its surroundings. It was formed in the Late Tertiary period about 1 to 25 million years ago.
Due to human intervention, the size of the basalt cone has been reduced over time. For instance, the very tip was likely removed for tactical reasons during the Thirty Years' War to hinder enemy troops' orientation at this prominent landmark visible from afar. The basalt cone was also used as a quarry. In 1979, the Druid Stone was struck by a massive lightning strike, necessitating support with six reinforced concrete beams ever since.
Almost more intriguing than the geological history of this natural monument, which has been under nature protection since 1869, are the legends and myths surrounding the basalt cone. However, it is not proven exactly what has transpired at the Druid Stone. There are legends of Gallic druids, "wild men," and others who supposedly conducted sacred masses, rituals, and other activities at the Druid Stone. It is also possible that the Druid Stone was a religious site for the Chatti, who established a Thing place here and worshipped the sun. Additionally, there is the legend of Herke, the daughter of a Celtic tribal chieftain, who was sacrificed due to a forbidden love for a young man, who was then stabbed. It is said that since then, during a full moon, the wailing and lamentation of the sacrificed can be heard from the height of the Druid Stone. In the 1920s, the Druid Stone was integrated as a station into a Stations of the Cross, with processions still taking place annually on Ascension Day. In the 1950s, festivals were performed at the "Druid Stone Open-Air Stage."
On May 12, 2006, the Druid Stone was awarded as a nationally significant geotope in Hanover, and since then, it has been referred to as a "National Geotope" and is featured in a unique picture and text volume titled "Fascination Geology – the most important Geotopes in Germany."
In 2022 a new, extraordinary project was launched, focusing on the Druid Stone itself and the legend of the Druidess Herke. Since then, a musical production for "Druidenstein - The Musical" has been composed, which is set to premiere in 2027.
Famous long-distance hiking trails, such as the Druid Trail and the Nature Trail Sieg, as well as the very popular Druid Stone Circular Trail (16 km), starting and ending at the Kirchen train station, pass directly by this natural attraction.
As an ideal starting point for a short walk (15 min.) to the Druid Stone, the hiking parking lot on K 101 after the village of Offhausen towards Dermbach is recommended.
Brief description
The Druid Stone is an isolated basalt cone above the villages of Herkersdorf and Offhausen in the town of Kirchen (Sieg) in the Druid.Witch.Siegerland and is one of the outstanding geological attractions in Rhineland-Palatinate. It is located at 450 m above sea level and rises about 20 m above its surroundings. It was formed during the Late Tertiary period about 1 to 25 million years ago.
Contact and directions
Auf dem Druidenstein
57548 Kirchen-Herkersdorf
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