Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast - Die "Straße der Riesen"
Bushmills, Northern Ireland
16.03.2011
Giants Causeway is a magnificent geological wonder located in the coastal town of Bushmills in Northern Ireland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for anyone interested in natural beauty and fascinating history.
The Causeway is a series of over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. These columns, some reaching up to 39 feet in height, are a sight to behold and have inspired countless legends and myths. The most famous of these is the story of the Irish giant, Finn McCool, who was said to have built the Causeway to reach Scotland and fight his rival giant.
Aside from its geological significance, Giants Causeway also has a rich cultural and historical heritage. The area has been inhabited for over 9,000 years, with evidence of Neolithic settlements and Bronze Age artifacts. It has also played a key role in Irish mythology and has been revered by the Irish people for centuries.
Visitors can explore the Causeway on foot, taking in the breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. The site also offers a state-of-the-art visitor center, complete with interactive exhibits that explain the geological processes that formed the Causeway.
For those looking for a more adventurous experience, there are guided tours available, as well as opportunities for hiking and rock climbing. The site also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, showcasing local culture and traditions.
In addition to its natural and cultural significance, Giants Causeway is also a haven for wildlife. The surrounding cliffs and seas are home to a diverse range of birds, including puffins and guillemots, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.
Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking for a unique and awe-inspiring destination, Giants Causeway has something for everyone. It is a truly magical place that will leave you in awe of the power and beauty of nature. So, come and experience the wonder of Giants Causeway for yourself.
The Giant's Causeway lies at the foot of the basalt cliffs along the sea coast on the edge of the Antrim plateau in Northern Ireland. It is made up of some 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea. The dramatic sight has inspired legends of giants striding over the sea to Scotland. Geological studies of these formations over the last 300 years have greatly contributed to the development of the earth sciences, and show that this striking landscape was caused by volcanic activity during the Tertiary, some 50–60 million years ago.
The Giant's Causeway (Irish: Clochán an Aifir) is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. It is located in County Antrim on the north coast of Northern Ireland, about three miles (4.8 km) northeast of the town of Bushmills.
It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 and a national nature reserve by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland in 1987. In a 2005 poll of Radio Times readers, the Giant's Causeway was named the fourth-greatest natural wonder in the United Kingdom.The tops of the columns form stepping stones that lead from the cliff foot and disappear under the sea. Most of the columns are hexagonal, although some have four, five, seven, or eight sides. The tallest are about 12 metres (39 ft) high, and the solidified lava in the cliffs is 28 metres (92 ft) thick in places.
Much of the Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site is owned and managed by the National Trust. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland, receiving over 998,000 visitors in 2019. Access to the Giant's Causeway is free of charge: it is not necessary to go via the visitor centre, which charges a fee. The remainder of the site is owned by the Crown Estate and several private landowners.
