Pierre Haina: Stone of Legends
Explore the legendary Pierre Haina in Durbuy, a natural landmark steeped in local folklore and megalithic history. Discover ancient tales!
Pierre Haina, also known as the Stone of the Ancestors, is a remarkable natural rock formation located in Wéris, a village within the municipality of Durbuy, in the Luxembourg province of Belgium. This intriguing site is deeply intertwined with local legends and the megalithic history of the region. The Pierre Haina isn't a man-made menhir but a natural pudding stone (poudingue) rock. Pudding stone is a conglomerate of pebbles bound together by very hard, fine sandstone. The stone stands on a height of 360m in the Wéris woods, overlooking the foothills of the Ardennes. The site is accessible via the GR 57 hiking trail, surrounded by oak, rowan, and heather. Local legends add to the mystique of Pierre Haina. One tale claims the stone covers an opening to the Earth's core, used by the devil to wreak havoc. Another story tells of a priest turned to stone for blasphemy during a storm. A tradition involved whitewashing the stone each autumn equinox to purify it and ward off the devil. From Pierre Haina, you can spot some of the Wéris megaliths, especially the Dolmen of Wéris I, about 1400m to the west. During the equinoxes, the sun sets over the dolmen when viewed from the stone. It's believed the stone may have served as a reference point for Neolithic people when positioning megaliths.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the path to Pierre Haina involves a steep climb.
- Visit the Maison des Mégalithes in Wéris to learn more about the area's megalithic history.
- Combine your visit with a hike on the GR 57 trail to explore the surrounding forests.
A brief summary to Pierre Haina
- Durbuy, Wéris, BE
Getting There
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Walking
From the center of Wéris, head towards the church. Follow the signs for 'Pierre Haina'. The path involves a steep, uphill walk through the forest. The landmark is approximately 1 km from the village center. The route is not clearly signposted , so follow the main path uphill and ask locals if needed. There are no costs associated with walking to Pierre Haina.
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Public Transport
From Durbuy, take the Line 99 bus towards Barvaux/Durbuy. Get off at the Wéris stop. From the bus stop in Wéris, follow the walking directions to Pierre Haina. A single bus fare costs approximately €2.35. From the center of Wéris, head towards the church. Follow the signs for 'Pierre Haina'. The path involves a steep, uphill walk through the forest. The landmark is approximately 1 km from the village center. The route is not clearly signposted , so follow the main path uphill and ask locals if needed.
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Parking
Drive to Wéris and park near the Maison des Mégalithes. From there, follow the walking directions to Pierre Haina. Parking availability can be limited. Parking is free. From the center of Wéris, head towards the church. Follow the signs for 'Pierre Haina'. The path involves a steep, uphill walk through the forest. The landmark is approximately 1 km from the village center. The route is not clearly signposted , so follow the main path uphill and ask locals if needed.
