Geologischer Aufschluss at Wagenschmier

If you’re hiking in Elkeringhausen on the Rothaarsteig, it’s worth stopping here. The former quarry offers you a unique glimpse into the Earth’s history.

Here you can marvel at Pleistocene banded debris—a type of unconsolidated rock from the Ice Age that occurs in this form only in the eastern Rhenish Slate Mountains. Did you know that the clay soil, which gets slippery when wet, is probably what gave the place its curious name, “Wagenschmier”?

Informative display boards explain the fascinating world of rocks. Combine your nature experience on the Rothaarsteig with a leisurely break at the beautiful rest area on site. Experience the Ice Age up close!