Top 20 Natural Monuments around Auetal
Best natural monuments around Auetal are found within this municipality in the Schaumburg district of Lower Saxony, Germany. The region features verdant forests, rolling hills, and the Aue river valley. These natural areas are valued for their ecological importance and recreational opportunities, offering a serene escape into nature. The landscape provides diverse ecosystems of wetlands, meadows, and forests, making it suitable for outdoor exploration.
Best natural monuments around Auetal
- The most popular natural monuments is Hohenstein Cliffs and Scenic Viewpoint…
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Hohenstein Cliffs and Scenic Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Green Altar Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Old Baptismal Font
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Dinosaur Tracks in the Obernkirchen Sandstone Quarries
Highlight • Natural Monument
obernkirchen-info.de/bergstadt/dinosaurierwegen.htm
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Kreuzbuche Memorial and Shelter
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more natural monuments around Auetal.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Auetal
Loccum-Volkenroda pilgrim's way – From monastery to monastery
Time in the countryside – recharge your batteries in the Weserbergland
Between mountains and valleys – bike Tours in the Weser Uplands
Experience nature with all your senses in the Weserbergland
Hiking around Auetal
Road Cycling Routes around Auetal
Cycling around Auetal
MTB Trails around Auetal
Gravel biking around Auetal
Running Trails around Auetal
Other adventures around Auetal
Tips from the Community
The old baptism is the subject of a local legend, which takes place at the time of Christianization. The stone's name may derive from the embellished idea that it was used as a baptismal font after the advent of Christianity. Forced baptisms are conceivable, but just as little documented as pagan human sacrifices in prehistoric times. Nonetheless, the idea of human sacrifice in the ancient baptism is considered as one of several explanations of the idiom "walking over the Deister." The idiom means "disappear" and possibly "die" - similar to "cross the Jordan" and "cross the Wupper". Other explanations of phraseologism do not draw on the sagas associated with the ancient baptism. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alte_Taufe
4
0
The old baptism (formerly also wolf baptism or heathen baptism) is a cliff in the Deister in Lower Saxony. The cuboid made of Wealden sandstone with an edge length of around 3 meters and a deep trough on the top is located about 50 m away from the Deisterkamm, west of the Nordmannsturm in the municipality of Lauenau. The Old Baptism was regarded as an old Germanic sacrificial site for which there is no archaeological evidence. An excavation in the area of the stone has not yet been carried out. Detlef Schünemann tries to make a prehistoric processing and ritual use of the stones credible in comparison with other striking, large stones, which also have hollows (so-called sacrificial stones). The old baptism is the subject of a local legend, which takes place at the time of Christianization. The stone's name may derive from the embellished idea that it was used as a baptismal font after the advent of Christianity. Forced baptisms are conceivable, but just as little documented as pagan human sacrifices in prehistoric times. Nonetheless, the idea of human sacrifice in the ancient baptism is considered as one of several explanations of the idiom "walking over the Deister." The idiom means "disappear" and possibly "die" - similar to "cross the Jordan" and "cross the Wupper". Other explanations of phraseologism do not draw on the sagas associated with the ancient baptism. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alte_Taufe
4
1
For decades, hikers who know the area have been amused by a sign on the cross beech tree that indicated the direction to the Hohenborstel district of Barsinghausen. In the course of renewing the signage in the Deister, the makers of the new wooden sign obviously felt a commitment to tradition. Source: https://deister-echo.de/neue-hinweisschilder-mit-schreibfehler-bleibt-die-tradition-gewahrt/
5
0
very slippery and muddy at this time of year (January). For me as a beginner, the section of the trail is very exciting. But I made it there and back safely.
4
0
Big intersection from here you can get everywhere. Shelter with trash can 🗑 available.
5
0
In addition to the cross, there is a spacious shelter at this intersection in case of rain and a bench for picnicking and watching who crosses the path.
10
0
The approximately 2700 footprints of different types of dinosaurs are in one of the Obernkirchen sandstone quarries. They were discovered in 2007 and 2008 and exposed by paleontologists from the Lower Saxony State Museum in Hanover. The traces were found within the 6 to 9 meter thick Obernkirchen sandstone, which lies under younger surface layers here. The trace fossils are attributed to the Berriasian (Lower Cretaceous, about 145.5 to 140.2 million years ago) and lie in two horizons. In the lower horizon there are mainly traces of smaller theropods, which are often referred to as "raptors" in the media. In the upper horizon, traces of animals from different ages that resemble Iguanodontipus and cf. Caririchnium dominate. The fact that the traces were so well preserved is due to the fact that the fresh prints were quickly superimposed by storm sands. Source: Wikipedia
4
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most significant natural areas to visit in Auetal?
Auetal is known for its interconnected natural areas rather than singular monuments. The most significant is the Aueniederung und Nebentäler Nature Reserve, which encompasses the Aue river and its surrounding lowlands. This reserve offers diverse ecosystems of wetlands, meadows, and forests, recognized by the EU as a "Natura 2000" area for its ecological importance. The broader Aue river valley also provides extensive natural beauty.
Are there any dramatic viewpoints or cliffs in the Auetal region?
Yes, the Hohenstein Cliffs and Scenic Viewpoint, located in the nearby Süntel hills, offers dramatic views over the Weser Valley. These cliffs are popular for hikers and climbers, providing spectacular panoramic views, especially at sunrise or sunset. Another excellent spot is the Green Altar Viewpoint, which provides wide views from an elevated position and includes a shelter for breaks.
Can I find any historical or geological natural monuments in Auetal?
Absolutely. You can visit the Dinosaur Tracks in the Obernkirchen Sandstone Quarries, a natural monument featuring 140-million-year-old fossilized traces of dinosaurs. This site is freely accessible and has informative display boards, making it an educational experience. Another intriguing spot is the Old Baptismal Font, an impressive natural stone cube surrounded by local legends, including its possible use as a sacrificial stone or a baptismal font.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Auetal's natural monuments?
The Aueniederung und Nebentäler Nature Reserve is particularly rich in biodiversity. It is home to around 50 endangered plant species, diverse fish like trout and eels, and various birds such as cranes and kingfishers. The landscape includes reed beds, moors, and alluvial forests where black alders and yellow irises thrive, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and observing local flora and fauna.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments or activities in Auetal?
Yes, the Dinosaur Tracks in the Obernkirchen Sandstone Quarries is a fantastic family-friendly destination, offering an educational and engaging experience for all ages with its fossilized dinosaur footprints and informative displays. The extensive trails and wooden boardwalks within the Aueniederung und Nebentäler Nature Reserve also provide easy and enjoyable walks for families to explore nature.
What outdoor activities are available near Auetal's natural monuments?
The Auetal region is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive hiking and cycling tours through charming villages, lush valleys, and atmospheric beech forests. For specific routes, consider exploring the hiking trails around Auetal or the gravel biking routes. There are also MTB trails for more adventurous cyclists.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments in Auetal?
The Auetal region is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly recommended. In spring, you can witness the vibrant flora, including carpets of Märzenbechern (snowdrops) in many places, and observe migratory birds. Autumn offers stunning foliage and pleasant temperatures for hiking. Summer is also great for outdoor activities, while winter can provide serene, quiet walks, especially around the Hohenstein Cliffs.
Are there any accessible natural monuments for visitors with mobility challenges?
The Dinosaur Tracks in the Obernkirchen Sandstone Quarries are noted as wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for visitors with mobility challenges. The nature reserve trails, with their well-developed paths and wooden boardwalks, also offer relatively easy access to experience the natural environment.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in Auetal?
Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the region, making it a perfect escape from daily stress. The panoramic views from spots like the Hohenstein Cliffs are highly praised, especially at sunset. The educational aspect of the Dinosaur Tracks is also a big draw, and the overall opportunities for hiking and experiencing diverse ecosystems are highly valued.
Are there any shelters or facilities near the natural monuments?
Yes, the Green Altar Viewpoint includes a shelter, providing a good spot for a break during a hike. Additionally, the Kreuzbuche Memorial and Shelter, located at a crossroads of several forest and hiking trails, offers a spacious shelter and a bench for picnicking, making it a convenient resting point.
Where can I find hiking trails that lead to or through these natural monuments?
The Auetal is an excellent starting point for hiking. Many trails traverse the Aueniederung und Nebentäler Nature Reserve and the broader Aue river valley. For specific routes, you can explore the hiking guide for Auetal, which includes routes like the 'Kammweg Scenic Ridge Trail' that passes by significant natural features. Informative signs along the paths in the nature reserve also guide visitors.
Most popular attractions around Auetal
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Auetal:
