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Alter Schwede

Discover Germany's oldest glacial erratic in Hamburg

Counts toward these achievements:

Hamburg: First Steps10 pts

Hamburg: Explorer25 pts

Hamburg: Insider50 pts

Located in Övelgönne, the 'Alter Schwede' stands at 4.5 meters tall and boasts a circumference of 19.7 meters. Weighing 217 tons, this protected natural monument is the oldest large glacial erratic in Germany. It's a significant geotope that attracts geology enthusiasts and walkers alike.

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Did you know?

At 217 tons, it's the heaviest glacial erratic in Germany.

Quick Facts

Height: 4.5 m
Wheelchair Access: Fully accessible

Guided Story

Take a look at this massive boulder. The 'Alter Schwede' isn't just an impressive sight; it's a piece of Earth's history. Weighing in at 217 tons and with a circumference of 19.7 meters, it's the oldest large glacial erratic in all of Germany. Imagine this stone being carried here from Scandinavia during the last Ice Age. It's fascinating to think that this rock was here long before the city of Hamburg developed around it. This makes it a special place for geology enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. If you look to the east, you'll spot the memorials for the floods of 1962 and 1976, which are reminders of other historical events in the area.