The Odenwald is rich in stone—a “sea” of boulders and striking rock formations. In addition to the large Felsenmeer in the Lautertal near Reichenbach at the foot of the Felsberg, this “small Felsenmeer” in the Fischbach Valley also offers splendid natural beauty. From a geological perspective, it is one of the especially interesting geotopes, as you can see evidence here of mountain formation dating from the Carboniferous period all the way to the present day. Dramatic views, sculptures, and the interplay of light and shadow shape this place and make it a unique nature experience. It is primarily intrusive rocks—the remains of former magma chambers deep in the Earth’s crust—that are widespread in this region. Due to uplift and erosion, they often lie exposed at the surface today. However, volcanic rocks (i.e., magmatic rocks from former volcanoes) also occur here. Both rock types are characteristic of this area: about 330 million years ago (in the Carboniferous), two continents collided here, creating the Variscan Mountains, of which the Odenwald is part. At that time, magma chambers intruded the Earth’s crust and produced gabbro, granite, and other rock types. Remnants of those volcanoes are preserved in the Rotliegend deposits that later covered the mountains, where even volcanic tuff layers can be found. The intrusions of gabbro and granite magmas were accompanied by intense heat. In these so-called contact zones, it was extremely hot during the mountain-building phase—so hot that the neighboring rock was partially melted or underwent metamorphic changes. As a result, metapelitic and metabauxitic rocks—i.e., rocks transformed by heat and pressure (e.g., cordierite rock)—are found here, documenting these former contact areas. The gabbros found in this area rank among the oldest in the entire Odenwald; only the amphibolites, which were penetrated by the gabbros, are older. The granites, around 330 million years old, are also of special geological interest. In addition, slates and sandstones of the Rotliegend occur here, containing traces of former volcanoes (tuffs and basaltic dikes). Those volcanoes themselves have long been eroded away. As erosion progressed, the intrusive rocks beneath became exposed. Where rocks (for example, granite) weather and break into blocks, a “Felsenmeer” can form on the slopes. Although this one is smaller than the well-known Felsenmeer on the Felsberg, it is nonetheless highly impressive. The development of this geotope took place during the weathering and erosion phases that began after the formation of the Variscan Mountains and, in part, continue to this day. Over very long periods, water, frost, and temperature fluctuations loosened blocks of rock from the larger mass. The cultural landscape here invites visitors to hike and linger. Various themed trails and geo-paths lead through the region and provide insights into its geological, historical, and cultural diversity. Explore traces of the former “Grube Marie” mine (bauxite and iron ore mining) and discover the remains of historic millstone quarries as well as impressive rock formations.