Geotopes of the year 2026 chosen
In its 20th anniversary year, the GrenzWelten National Geopark has honoured two outstanding geological sites as "Geotope of the Year 2026": the Christborn spring and its surroundings in the Burgwald forest and the Neanderthal hunting station in Buhlen, a settlement site of early humans. Both sites exemplify the close connection between geology, human settlement and the formation of our current cultural landscapes. They also draw attention to another special feature of the region: the Soil of the Year 2026, which is under the patronage of the state of Hesse. Both Geotopes of the Year are so-called "archive soils" - they preserve the traces of the past.
"By choosing these two geotopes in our 20th anniversary year, we want to emphasise the extent to which geology has shaped the natural and cultural landscapes of our region," explains Geopark Director Dr Georg Bresser. This applies in particular to human settlement and the interaction between nature and man. "Both sites show that the subsurface not only shapes our landscape, but also the history of the people who live here."
The Geopark invites all interested parties to explore the GrenzWelten as part of guided tours and events. Both Geotopes of the Year 2026 will be presented on site on 20 September, this year's Geotope Day. Further information on the Geotopes of the Year and the Geopark's events can be found online at www.geopark-grenzwelten.de
Contact:
Project Office National Geopark GrenzWelten
Auf Lülingskreuz 60
34497 Korbach
eMail geopark@lkwafkb.de
Tel. 05631 954-1512
Caption: One of the two Geotopes of the Year in the Geopark's anniversary year 2026: the Christborn spring and its surroundings in the Burgwald forest. Photo: Lothar Koch
Christborn spring - a natural phenomenon of great benefit The Christborn spring is not only a fascinating geological phenomenon, but also a place that has shaped the settlement and use of the Burgwald for centuries. It is an extremely productive and constant spring whose water has been used in many different ways. Not least to power mills and as a means of human settlement. The connection to the geology and the groundwater-bearing layers makes the Christborn a symbol of the importance of the subsoil as a basis for life, exemplary for the springs and moors of the Burgwald.
Neanderthal hunting station Buhlen - evidence of early human history The site in Buhlen proves that people were already using the geological features of the region many tens of thousands of years ago - for example as hunting grounds or shelter. They used the local resources, such as the siliceous slate, to make tools. The hunting station is therefore an impressive example of how geology and human culture are inextricably interwoven.