- Munich – Parkstein
- Route via Regensburg – Weiden in der Oberpfalz
- Vehicle: Cupra Born
- Report: Peter Grett
A trip to the Upper Palatinate, more precisely to Parkstein with its imposing basalt cone visible from afar, is worthwhile not only for those interested in geology.
Directly at the foot of the 38 meter high basalt wall is a charging station with two connections, which I was able to unlock with the SWM charging network card.
So I put on the Cupra Born and made my way to the top. Along the way, at several stations on a “geopath”, you can get easily understandable information about the geological history of the northern Upper Palatinate from the rock exhibits on display.
It is even possible to get inside the Parkstein volcano via a rock cellar that was painstakingly dug in earlier times and used as a storage room for beer and food. Here, as the geo-guide showed us, earlier explosions can be traced on the basis of lighter layers in the dark rubble rocks.
Once you reach the top of the village, a visit to the Volcano Experience Museum is an absolute must. It is located in a former country judge’s castle, supplemented by a new building. Here you can embark on a journey through time from the Tertiary period through the Middle Ages to the present day.
The conveyance of the contents, among other things through short films and via narrative voices, is comprehensible. A “real” volcanic eruption with a column of light, smoke and loud thunder was particularly fascinating. A great experience that gives an idea of the elemental force of such an explosion.
Actually, after these impressive experiences and filled with plenty of information about, for example, cooled magma that turned into basalt columns and eroded over the last 23 million years, we wanted to head back down to the basalt wall. Then we discovered in the – in the afternoon as if extinct – place a unique mixture of café and Kramerladen. With a great cake selection and an idyllic, lovingly designed garden in the courtyard. It goes without saying that this oasis is also run by an extremely friendly hostess. So, be sure to visit Claudia Steger’s Market & Cafe Parkstein.
Tips:
- Exploration of the basalt cone in Parkstein along the informative “geo-path”
- Visit to the impressive museum “Volcano Experience”
- Market & Cafe Parkstein, an oasis of pleasure and friendliness
- Charging possibility at the parking lot in front of the basalt wall
