Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast - Die "Straße der Riesen"
Bushmills, Northern Ireland
16.03.2011
Giants Causeway is a unique natural wonder located on the coast of Bushmills, Northern Ireland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its stunning basalt columns, which were formed over 60 million years ago by volcanic activity. The causeway stretches for about 3 miles along the coast and is made up of over 40,000 interlocking hexagonal columns, making it one of the most impressive geological formations in the world.
Legend has it that the causeway was built by giants as a pathway between Ireland and Scotland. The most famous of these giants was Finn MacCool, who is said to have constructed the causeway to fight his Scottish rival, Benandonner. The story goes that when Benandonner saw the size of Finn, he ran back to Scotland, ripping up the causeway behind him so that Finn couldn't follow. Today, visitors can see two large columns known as the Giant's Boot and the Wishing Chair, which are said to have belonged to Finn himself.
The history of the Giants Causeway dates back to the early 17th century when it was first discovered by tourists. It quickly became a popular attraction, with many visitors coming to marvel at the unique rock formations and learn about its mythical origins. In the 18th and 19th centuries, artists and scientists also flocked to the causeway, further increasing its fame and popularity.
One of the most notable features of the Giants Causeway is the Organ, a series of columns that resemble a pipe organ. Another highlight is the Amphitheatre, a circular formation of columns that was once used for outdoor concerts and performances. Visitors can also see the Giant's Harp, a set of 100 columns that resembles the strings of a harp.
Today, the Giants Causeway continues to attract thousands of visitors each year. In addition to its natural beauty and fascinating history, the site also offers various activities such as guided tours, rock climbing, and coastal walks. It is also surrounded by beautiful scenery, including the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world.
In 2015, the Giants Causeway was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding universal value and importance in Ireland's cultural and natural heritage. It remains a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Northern Ireland, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for all.
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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 approximately 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 approximately 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 more than 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 that charges a fee. The remainder of the site is owned by the Crown Estate and several private landowners.
