National Geopark invites proposals for Geotope of the Year 2026

In 2026, the GrenzWelten National Geopark, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, would once again like to nominate a Geotope of the Year. Proposals are possible until 2 March.

4 February 2026

Geotopes are defined as geological formations of inanimate nature that provide insights into the development of the earth and life. Examples include outcrops of rocks or soils as well as special natural creations such as karst caves or rock formations. Geotopes also have a special geological significance. They tend to be rare or admirably beautiful and are therefore worthy of preservation as geotopes, and are just as valuable for science and research as they are for teaching nature and local history.

In 2026, the GrenzWelten National Geopark, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, would once again like to highlight such a geotope. It will add to the series of special geological formations that have been honoured as "Geotope of the Year" by an expert jury since 2017. The Geopark is therefore calling on laypeople interested in geology to submit proposals for the Geotope of the Year 2026 by 2 March. Geopark manager Dr Georg Bresser and his dedicated staff would be delighted to see a lively response.

The proposals can be submitted by individuals, citizens' groups or associations. A brief description of the formation and a justification of what makes the geotope so special that it should be honoured are required for evaluation. The winner(s) will be selected by the Geopark jury and presented to the public in late spring. The attached list shows which geotopes have already been honoured:

  • 2017: Devonian limestone of the "Schmidt" quarry and armoured fish site in Bad Wildungen-Braunau
  • 2018: Dohlenfelsen" natural monument near Frankenberg (Eder)
  • 2019: "Hollenkammer" near Volkmarsen-Lütersheim
  • 2020: Ederstede (Klingelstede) near Burgwald-Birkenbringhausen
  • 2021: Riesenstein near Naumburg-Heimarshausen
  • 2022: "Weiße Kuhle" between Obermarsberg and Erlinghausen in the Hochsauerlandkreis and Wichtellöcher near Wabern-Uttershausen
  • 2023: Wichtelsteine near Frankenau
  • 2024: Adorf banded shale
  • 2025: Block debris heaps at Lake Edersee


 Caption: Geotope of the year 2025 are the boulder scree slopes at Lake Edersee. (Photo: District of Waldeck-Frankenberg)


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Geopark GrenzWelten Environmental and Climate Protection Service