The Hirstein near Satzung is an impressive formation at 890 meters high. On the summit stands the Hirtsteinbaude, offering a spectacular view of the German part of the Ore Mountains.
The uniqueness of the Hirstein lies in the basalt fan formed by a basalt intrusion, resembling an oversized flower or palm frond.
The basalt fan was exposed through quarrying activities. Over time, as more of the basalt columns were revealed through quarry operations, there was a push for their protection. Through negotiations with the owners, a considerate extraction method was achieved, ensuring geologically valuable sites were preserved.
In May 2006, the outcrop at Hirstein was recognized as one of Germany’s 77 most important national geotopes by the Academy of Geosciences in Hanover.