The "Wichtelsteine" are rock formations that have been designated as a geological natural monument and are therefore particularly worthy of protection.
The rocks have their origin in a time 340 million years ago, in the so-called Lower Carboniferous.
At that time, the region lay at the transition from a flat, tropical sea to the deep sea. Sediments of various grain sizes accumulated there over millions of years and regularly slid down the continental slope as an underwater avalanche. From these sediments later formed rocks such as clay slate, greywacke or conglomerate.
Today's rock formations of the Wichtelsteine consist largely of a greywacke conglomerate. The greywacke, a marine sandstone, will receive special attention in 2023, as it was voted rock of the year!
The people of Frankenau have always seen elves in the rock formations. Children are told that these friendly creatures disguise themselves as stones during the day and sneak into the village unnoticed at night to help the people with their work.
The Wichtelsteine are located directly on a circular hiking trail and in the immediate vicinity of the Edersee Cycle Path.
They are easily accessible by car, bike and on foot.
Further information can be obtained from the project office of the geopark and the national park town of Frankenau!