Bicycle tour for geographic exploration
Explore the fascinating geology of Gießen, a city rich in limestones, sandstone, and basalt formations, by embarking on the "Wealth of Stone" bike tour. This captivating journey through Earth's history is detailed in the brochure "Active in Gießen," available free of charge at the Tourist Information (Schulstraße 4).
The tour begins at the Grauwacke Quarry in Heuchelheim, taking you on a 42.5 km adventure around Gießen. Along the way, you'll visit a variety of geological formations such as quarries, landslides, and rock complexes, each offering a unique insight into the Earth's history.
One of the tour's highlights is the basalt quarries at Schifffenberg, while the notable points along the route also include the shale at Hoppenstein, the Schifffenberg, and Badonburg. The tour doesn't forget to include a sand pit at Gießen's North Cross, adding a hands-on element to your geological exploration.
Gießen is home to a range of Geo-topes, non-living nature that provides a unique insight into the Earth's history. These geological wonders are particularly worth protecting and are a key focus of the tour. For a more detailed understanding of the Geo-topes, a guide is available from the University of Gießen, either at the Tourist Information or digitally on their Geology page.
The Nature Reserve Bergwerkswald and Hanngelstein are also part of the unique natural landscape of the Gießen district, adding to the tour's rich geological tapestry.
After your tour, don't forget to stop by the Tourist Information to pick up some Gießen souvenirs or purchase tickets for city and costume tours, events, or more.
The "Wealth of Stone" bike tour is not just an adventure, but a unique way to learn about geology, making it an unmissable experience for anyone with an interest in the Earth's history. The Tourist Information is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, ensuring you can easily access all the information you need to plan your tour.