The Westersteine are two striking and densely forested dolomite rock formations in the southern Harz foothills near the towns of Barbis and Bartolfelde. They are divided into the smaller Barbis Westerstein to the west and the larger Bartolfelde Westerstein to the east. The two Westersteine are easy to recognize in the surrounding hilly gypsum karst landscape because they tower over the surrounding area by up to 40 meters.

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Andi I. & Marini I.

May 9, 2025

Hiking

The Westersteine are witnesses to the shallows in the Zechstein Sea near Bartolfelde; this former reef of calcareous algae mats with its still clearly visible flat to spherical surface appears very graceful.

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Zoe von Rambling Rocks

August 31, 2023

Hiking

In order to see the Westersteine, you have to walk the trail at the stamp office. Because the huge rock wall that was once a reef is hidden in the forest.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Westersteine Dolomite rock formations

4.3

(3)

hikers

1. Bachschwinde in the Strauß – Westersteine Natural Monument loop from NSG Butterberg/ Hopfenbusch

3.22km

00:53

50m

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

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Easy

4.4

(5)

hikers

2. Cave near the Westersteine loop from NSG Butterberg/ Hopfenbusch

1.81km

00:31

50m

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

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Easy

4.0

(1)

hikers

3. Königshütte Bad Lauterberg – Wiesenbek Stream loop from Bad Lauterberg im Harz

13.7km

03:48

260m

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

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 390 m

Weather

Friday 13 March

10°C

2°C

34 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

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October

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December

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Take Me There

Location: Bad Lauterberg im Harz, Osterode am Harz, Harz Mountains, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany

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View of Wiesenbeker Teich

Wiesenbek Stream

Wiesenbeker Teich

Former Watchtower

Kurpark Bad Lauterberg

Westersteine Dolomite rock formations

1. Bachschwinde in the Strauß – Westersteine Natural Monument loop from NSG Butterberg/ Hopfenbusch

2. Cave near the Westersteine loop from NSG Butterberg/ Hopfenbusch

3. Königshütte Bad Lauterberg – Wiesenbek Stream loop from Bad Lauterberg im Harz

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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