Case file · Folklore / legend
The Externsteine 'Germanic sanctuary' claim
In 1929, Wilhelm Teudt claimed the Externsteine rocks were an ancient Germanic solar observatory and sanctuary; the SS Ahnenerbe dug there in 1934–1935.
1929 CE · 51.87, 8.92 · status: claim
The sceptical view
Excavations found no prehistoric shrine; the carvings and chambers are medieval Christian work. The claims live on in esoteric and far-right circles.