Top 20 Natural Monuments in Moselle

In the early morning or evening, the light is particularly beautiful and it is quieter. We were there at midday, so the light, depending on the location, was sometimes more intense or paler on the rocks. Nevertheless, a great nature experience. Sturdy footwear is recommended.

The Altschlossfelsen (also known as Eppenbrunn Castle) are a group of red sandstone rocks designated as a natural monument (ND) ND-7340-205 and a cultural monument (KD) in the municipality of Eppenbrunn in the Palatinate Forest on the border with France, and are the largest rock formation in the Palatinate. They are located on the eastern slope of the Brechenberg (406 m) near Eppenbrunn and Roppeviller at an elevation of approximately 365 m above sea level at the northeast end and 380 m above sea level at the southwest end of the rock band. The Altschlossfelsen are a group of red sandstone rocks approximately one and a half kilometers long and up to 30 meters high. The group consists of sandstone towers and walls. The Altschlossfelsen are crisscrossed by cracks and joints, some of which are wide enough to climb through. They are known primarily for their diverse weathering phenomena and rare lichens. The summit plateau can be reached from the north and south on narrow paths. There, you'll find a sparse forest and moss-covered rocks. A special lighting situation created by the sun, the "rock glow," is best seen around 7:00 p.m. in the first half of April, depending on weather conditions, vegetation, and the position of the sun. In the morning hours, the glow occurs around 8:45 a.m. Finds from the Hallstatt and Roman periods attest to earlier settlement of the rock group. In 1964, for example, shards from the La Tène period (c. 450–50 BC) were found. Traces of a medieval castle from the 11th or 12th century are found on the four main rocks. These include the remains of a stepped structure, post holes, remains of masonry, and notches for beams in the rock. A depression with a diameter of four meters is located on a rock, which may have served as a cistern. Additionally, on the southern and northern slopes around the rock formation, humped blocks, which may have originated from the structure of a former castle, as well as shards from the High Middle Ages were found in a wall groove. A more precise dating of the castle complex is difficult, as the castle was not mentioned before 1297 or later in the 1605 border description between Lorraine and the County of Hanau-Lichtenberg. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altschlossfelsen

When we see a monument like this, which we also encounter here in Spicheren, we are accustomed to thinking first of the two world wars that shook Europe in the first half of the 20th century. However, the history of the memorial located on this site goes back several decades: It commemorates the victims of the 1870/71 war waged by France against Germany. France's military defeat at the hands of the forces of the North German Confederation (led by Prussia), with the participation of the southern German states, led directly to the founding of what was then the German Empire.

🌄 Stromberg – Limestone cliffs near Niederkontz A dry rock formation on the Stromberg summit – 314m high – surrounded by forest, with views of the Moselle Valley and the Luxembourg hills. A tranquil spot with an impressive panorama. Tip: Ideal on clear days – a short detour from the path is worthwhile for a nature photo with a truly striking effect.

A beautiful hiking trail along the historic rock formations near the border

Idyllic little lake where you can take great pictures. We liked it here when we walked past.

A place steeped in history! The Battle of Spichern (also known as the Battle of Speicher, Battle of Spicheren, in France also known as the Bataille de Forbach) on August 6, 1870 was a battle of the Franco-Prussian War. It was named after its location, the village of Spichern near Forbach, not far from the German-French border near Saarbrücken.

A very beautiful path directly along the rocks.