Top 20 Natural Monuments around Balve

The Felsenmeer is characterized by mass limestone, a rock layer up to 1000 m thick made of 380 million year old reef limestone (Devonian), in which weathering by carbonated water created both the Felsenmeer and the Heinrichshöhle. Beneath the Felsenmeer lies a widely branched cave system in which the cave clay has been enriched with ore gravel. This is one of the reasons why you must not leave the paths here! Iron ore mining was carried out here from the 11th to the 19th century.

The Felsenmeer in Hemer, a unique natural monument in the Sauerland, combines natural history and cultural aspects in a fascinating way. The geological formation of this remarkable geotope goes back millions of years and is the result of the weathering of limestone through dissolution processes. Rainwater, enriched with carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, turns into a weak acid that dissolves limestone and thus forms the characteristic rock formations of the Felsenmeer. The impressive landscape forms that are now known as the Felsenmeer were created over geological periods of time. This nature reserve is not only a prime example of the dynamic forces of earth's history, but also a place full of legends. One of the stories is about dwarves who searched for precious metals under the rocks and giants who wanted to steal these treasures. The legendary dwarf king Alberich is said to have caused the ceiling of the rock hall to collapse with a magic spell, burying the giants under the rocks and creating the Felsenmeer. Visitors can explore the Felsenmeer via a variety of paths, including a wooden walkway that leads directly over the cliffs and rocks. There is also a viewing platform and an upper bridge that are barrier-free, so visitors with limited mobility can also enjoy the nature reserve. Dogs are allowed on a leash, and there is a large, free car park at the neighboring Sauerland Park. The Felsenmeer Hemer is a special experience in every season, be it snowy, in the colorful autumn forest, or in the lush green of summer. The cliffs and caves of the Felsenmeer are part of the impressive karst landscape, which visitors can explore in more detail on display boards. Recognition as a "Significant Geological Monument of Germany" and as a "National Geotope" underlines the unique importance of this natural monument and its position as one of Germany's outstanding natural wonders.

The Felsenmeer in Hemer, a unique natural monument in the Sauerland, combines natural history and cultural aspects in a fascinating way. The geological formation of this remarkable geotope dates back millions of years and is the result of the weathering of limestone through dissolution processes. Rainwater, enriched with carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, turns into a weak acid that dissolves limestone, forming the characteristic rock formations of the Felsenmeer. Over geological periods, the impressive landforms that are now known as the Sea of ​​Rocks emerged. This nature reserve is not only a prime example of the dynamic forces of earth's history, but also a place full of legends. One of the stories is about dwarves who searched for precious metals under the rocks and about giants who wanted to steal these treasures. The legendary dwarven king Alberich is said to have used a magic spell to cause the ceiling of the rock hall to collapse, which buried the giants under the rocks and created the sea of ​​rocks. Visitors can explore the Sea of ​​Rocks on various paths, including a wooden walkway that leads directly over the cliffs and rocks. There is also a viewing platform and an upper bridge that are barrier-free, allowing visitors with limited mobility to enjoy the nature reserve. Dogs are allowed on a leash, and there is a large, free parking lot at the neighboring Sauerland Park. The Felsenmeer Hemer is a special experience in every season, be it snowy, in the colorful autumn forest or in the lush green of summer. The cliffs and caves of the Felsenmeer are part of the impressive karst landscape, which visitors can explore in more detail on display boards. The recognition as an "Important Geological Monument of Germany" and as a "National Geotope" underlines the unique significance of this natural monument and its position as one of Germany's outstanding natural wonders.

The Felsenmeer in Hemer-Sundwig is in the immediate vicinity of the Sauerland Park, the Felsenmeermuseum and the Heinrichshöhle. It is a forested geotope with heavily fissured subsoil and numerous visible rock formations, which dates back to the Tertiary period. The area of the rock sea covers around 35 hectares, is around 600 meters long, 200 meters wide and lies 45 meters above the valley floor. It is divided into three sub-areas, the Great Sea of Rocks in the northwest, the Small Sea of Rocks in the south and the Paradise in the southeast.

Incredibly beautiful geotope. The rock formations are quite impressive. On the one hand, you can marvel at it through a viewing platform, and on the other hand, through a footbridge and a bridge. To the north you can easily park in the hiking car park at Sauerland Park. There are a few caves to the south-west. The Heinrichshöhle can be visited with a guided tour.

Great place, while most of the rocks are separated from the path by a fence for a good reason, there is a lot to marvel at and the bridge through the rocks is a real highlight!

A nice interesting walk also the children will like it

The Felsenmeer is one of the 70 most important geotopes in Germany.