The Great Stone of Tonnenheide - A giant of the Ice Age
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The Great Stone of Tonnenheide, the largest known erratic boulder in northern Germany, is an impressive natural monument and a testament to the powerful forces of the Ice Age. With its size and historical background, it attracts numerous visitors to the small village of Tonnenheide near Rahden every year.
A natural monument of imposing size
The boulder measures an impressive 10 meters in length, 7 meters in width and rises 3 meters into the air. Its estimated weight of around 350 tons makes it one of the heaviest and largest erratic boulders in the entire region of northern Germany. Originally transported here by glaciers from Scandinavia, it is one of the most impressive witnesses to the Ice Age in this area.
Geological assessment by Dr. Alfred Hendricks
The renowned geologist Dr. Alfred Hendricks from Münster undertook the detailed examination of the Great Stone. He was able to determine the age, origin and composition of the boulder. This scientific assessment helps to further substantiate the importance of the stone as a geological and historical monument.
The spectacular lifting and transportation
The lifting and transportation of the Great Stone in 1981 was a spectacular undertaking. On August 28, preparations began to move the stone to its new location on the Klasing No. 9 farm grounds, under centuries-old oak trees. However, the original plan to move the boulder on air cushions failed due to the sharp-edged underside of the stone. On 30 August 1981, with the help of a gigantic chain crane and a mobile crane, it was finally possible to lift the stone and transport it over a distance of around 70 meters.
A meeting place for tradition and socializing
Today, the Great Stone of Tonnenheide is not only a geological monument, but also a place where tradition and socializing are cultivated. The local history association regularly organizes so-called "baking days" around the stone, where freshly baked cake is baked in the stone oven. The association can also organize a baking day for groups of 50 people or more on request. These events are a wonderful opportunity to experience the regional baking tradition up close and enjoy a piece of home in a convivial atmosphere.
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