"Basalt columns are cooled and solidified basaltic lava. The appearance of this cooled basaltic lava depends mainly on two factors. Erupted lava cools down quite quickly to form a coherent rock structure that solidifies as pahoehoe lava or as aa lava, depending on the temperature and gas content. However, if cooling is delayed, contraction (shrinkage) often results in meter-long polygonal basalt columns (column basalt > volcanic columns), which form perpendicular to the cooling surface, preferably with a quasi-hexagonal (hexagonal) geometry.

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Birgitt

May 12, 2025

Hiking

You'll succumb to the fascination of the basalt columns of the Roßbacher Häubchen when you stand below the summit. Here, in a former basalt quarry, you can see the enormous columns reaching upwards. Part of the columns is lying down so you can view them in cross-section. A little further on, you'll reach a wooden lounger, perfect for a rest. A hut vividly describes the unbelievable working conditions of the basalt miners. There's also a hidden path below the summit where you can walk very close to the basalt walls.

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Best Hikes to Basalt Columns at Rossbacher Häubchen

4.6

(62)

241

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1. Ascent to Rossbacher Häubchen – View from Roßbacher Häubchen loop from Breitscheid

5.52km

01:31

90m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.9

(9)

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2. Ascent to Rossbacher Häubchen – Wied Promenade, Rossbach loop from Roßbach

21.1km

06:27

690m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

4.7

(30)

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3. View of Rossbach – Ascent to Rossbacher Häubchen loop from Landkreis Neuwied

8.96km

02:53

370m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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Elevation 350 m

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Location: Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

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Basalt Columns at Rossbacher Häubchen

1. Ascent to Rossbacher Häubchen – View from Roßbacher Häubchen loop from Breitscheid

2. Ascent to Rossbacher Häubchen – Wied Promenade, Rossbach loop from Roßbach

3. View of Rossbach – Ascent to Rossbacher Häubchen loop from Landkreis Neuwied

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