Behold, the Stein von Othmarschen awaits. This unassuming boulder holds a tale of ancient journeys. It whispers of ice ages and colossal forces that shaped our world.
Welcome to the Grothpark in Hamburg. Here lies a geological marvel. This is no ordinary rock. The Stein von Othmarschen is a relic from a bygone era.
Imagine Hamburg thousands of years ago. Glaciers advance. They carve the landscape. This boulder began its journey far away in southern Sweden near Målilla. The ice carried it here during the Saale Ice Age. That was about 1.7 to 1.8 billion years ago.
The Stein von Othmarschen weighs around 60 tons. It has a volume of 22 cubic meters. Its dimensions are 4.9 x 3.5 x 2.2 meters.
Interestingly, this granite is classified as “younger Småland granite”. It shares its origin with another famous Hamburg find the “Alter Schwede”. Both traveled from the same region in Sweden. The Stein von Othmarschen was discovered in 1998 during preparations for the Elbtunnel expansion. At that time it was the largest erratic boulder in Hamburg. That was until they found the “Alter Schwede”.
Look closely at the stone’s surface. The top reveals weathering. This shows its long exposure to the elements. The lower part shows traces of glacial transport. These are clear signs it journeyed within the ice. It was not pushed along in front of it.
Today the Stein von Othmarschen resides peacefully. It is in the southern part of Grothpark. This is above the Elbtunnel. This geological site is listed as number 23 of 30. It is on the list of geotopes in the Hamburg area.
While not officially a natural monument, this rock is a testament to Earth’s power. It also reminds us of Hamburg’s connection to distant lands. The Stein von Othmarschen offers a glimpse into geological history. It reveals forces that shaped our present landscape. So, take a moment. Appreciate this silent traveler. It is a tangible link to a distant past.