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Natural Monuments

Basalt Columns at Roßbacher Häubchen

Natural Monuments

Basalt Columns at Roßbacher Häubchen

Highlight • Natural Monument

Basalt Columns at Roßbacher Häubchen

Recommended by 133 hikers out of 136

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Naturpark Rhein-Westerwald

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Location: Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

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Best Hikes to Basalt Columns at Roßbacher Häubchen

4.7

(30)

hikers

1. View of Rossbach – Ascent to Roßbacher Häubchen loop from Roßbach

8.97km

02:53

370m

380m

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

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Intermediate

4.7

(51)

225

hikers

2. 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

5.0

(9)

hikers

3. Masbachtal Valley loop from Roßbach

20.9km

06:22

680m

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

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Expert

Tips

hopsi

August 5, 2021

Here you can see the basalt columns up close

Translated by Google •

PeterH65 (a.k.a. "Waldorf")

April 15, 2023

"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.

Columns of basalt form when lava flows cool down under certain conditions. Lava contracts and shatters during the cooling process. Lava does not cool evenly, but faster at the surface and slower at depth; therefore upper columns are often thinner than lower ones. Well-developed basalt columns form with slower cooling. The columns are always perpendicular to the cooling surface. Therefore, in lava layers and flat-lying intrusions there is a vertical orientation of the columns, whereas basalt columns in steep dikes are horizontal.

Fan patterns and rosettes commonly form in lava flows and cavities.

The basalt columns are mostly six-sided (quasi-hexagonal) and usually connect to each other when the diameter is between approx. 10 cm and 1 m. Columns with a larger diameter usually have an asymmetrical cross-section. "Heptagonal" four-, five-, and seven-sided columns are not uncommon; three-, eight-, nine- and eleven-sided columns were also reported. Curved and curved columns also occur. Irregular and thicker columns mostly develop on the upper and lower lava surfaces, thinner and regular columns develop inside the lava."

mineralienatlas.de/lexikon/index.php/Geologisches%20Portrait/Basalts%C3%A4ulen

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Birgitt

May 12, 2025

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.

Translated by Google •

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Informations

Elevation 350 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 28 October

12°C

9°C

100 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

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Location: Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

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Basalt Columns at Roßbacher Häubchen

1. View of Rossbach – Ascent to Roßbacher Häubchen loop from Roßbach

2. Ascent to Roßbacher Häubchen – View from Roßbacher Häubchen loop from Breitscheid

3. Masbachtal Valley loop from Roßbach

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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