Rocking stone

As Wackelsteine ​​or rocking stones are formed by deposition or weathering phenomena in rocks called that balance move easily on its base. They are preferably formed from granitic rock digestion as a late manifestation of Wollsackverwitterung, rarely from banked horizontal sedimentary rocks.

First, the weathering processes add primary -scale fracture systems in the rock until the rock complex decays over time in individual blocks, then - are gradually worn away - ever crushed. In rare cases, larger single blocks in an exposed, " shaky " position remain. A the Wackelstein similar form type is the mushroom rock.

The amazing ability to move those held in balance, often huge crowds often led to the creation of myths and legends in which such stones play an essential role, for example as an oracle or "toy" of giants.

Another genus are caused by human activities Wackelsteine ​​. In Ganløse Eged, a 167 -acre forest on the Danish island of Zealand, the stone of a Langdysse ( Dolmen ) has become made ​​for rocking stone.

Known Wackelsteine

Argentina

In Argentina you will find in the Sierra de Tandil the " Swinging stone ".

Denmark

Wackelsteine ​​(Danish: Rokkesten ) are here boulders left behind by the last ice age in large numbers, for example, three on Bornholm. But most Wackelsteine ​​have no more moves.

• Many boulders are the Rutsker Højlyng, including a 20 -ton rocking stone, but the last time wobbled in the 1960s.
• In the Paradisbakkerne ( paradise hills ) one finds the well -known Wackelstein Denmark, which was made in 1894 under nature protection, while being 25 years previously ceased its activities with its 35 tons. In 2000, he successfully resurrected and powerful visitors bring him back since to wobble.
• In Djævedalen ( the Teufelstal ) in Almindingen there were many, but none of them has wobbled in the last 50 years. In contrast, it has been discovered at Vettesmose in the 1990s an active boulder.

Germany

In Germany, known throughout the region is the Wackelstein the Extern Stones, which was however fixed in the early 19th century. In Loh in the community balances castle in the Bavarian Forest, there is a 50 -ton Wackelstein. A true behemoth is the Rocking Stone on Kornberg in the Fichtelgebirge. A typical rocking stone is by Voitmannsdorf ( Franconian Switzerland ). Another Wackelstein located at Potter in the Zittau Mountains.

Italy

From the Naturalis Historia of Pliny the ancient Romans Sasso al Menicante is known in the Monte Cimino as a loose stone. He is now close to the summit parking lot, but no longer wobbles.

Corsica

In Corsica are rock castles, bells mountains, victims boiler and Tafonis common features of the landscape. The Omu di Cagna is a typical rocking stone.

Austria

• In Pierbichlwald for large Gerungs in the Waldviertel was a 24 -ton Wackelstein. This has crashed on 2 October 2011 and broken.
• Some others are in the nature park Blockheide in Gmünd.
• The Schwammerling is the landmark of Rechenberg and the Natural Park of Upper Austria.

Poland

A very beautiful Wackelstein can be found in the Giant Mountains in Schreiberhau / Szklarska Poręba. He is around 5 mx 3 m wide and 1.5 m thick and can be moved around ten centimeters up and down.

Sweden

The Runkesten at Vimmerby in Sweden is about four feet wide, ten feet long and five feet high boulder. He is considered one of the world's largest rocking stones, which can be rocking back and forth solely by human power five to ten centimeters.

Switzerland

In Switzerland there is the Druidenstein above Lake Lucerne in Morschach.

Czech Republic

In the Czech Jizera Mountains is located on the Mitteliserkamm case- Iser and Klein-Iser/Jizerka above the Misthaus a loose stone ( Lage50.83933515.345197 ).