Buntsandstein Rock Formations, Vulkaneifel Geopark

About 280 million years ago, the Rhenish Slate Mountains (ranging from Belgium in the west via the Vulkaneifel to the Siegerland) had risen from the sea. There was a climate like today in North Africa, hot and dry. On the other hand, flash floods regularly broke out and flooded the plains with sand and boulders. This is how the red sandstone came to be. The rust red color comes from the iron: it is oxidized. At this place near Gerolstein the Buntsandstein comes to light. A few good information boards explain the geological history of the rock. In the following audio file, the geo-scientist Andreas Schüller from the Geopark Vulkaneifel explains how the Buntsandstein joins the Eifel. Https://soundcloud.com/zeitwissen/zeit-wissen-wanderung-andreas-schueller-buntsandstein (Internet connection required)

Cool path along some colorful sandstone rocks with picnic bench and explanation.