Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of humanity's greatest mysteries. On the vast Salisbury Plain stand gigantic stone blocks, transported from up to 250 kilometers away and erected with astronomical precision 5,000 years ago — without wheels, metal, or writing, impressing modern engineers.

The outer sarsen stones (up to 25 tons) come from Marlborough, 30 km away, but the inner bluestones (up to 4 tons) were brought from the Preseli Hills in Wales — 250 kilometers over land and water. Why? No one knows for sure. Burial site, temple, astronomical observatory, healing site — Stonehenge does not reveal its secrets.

What we do know: At the summer solstice (June 21), the first ray of sunlight falls exactly through the stone axis — proof that the builders understood the movement of celestial bodies. On this day, Stonehenge is freely accessible, and thousands gather at sunrise — Druids, hippies, tourists, and the curious in a unique mix.

The regular visit keeps visitors on a path at a distance from the stones. For those who want to get closer: The Stone Circle Access Tour (englishheritage.org.uk, £47, only at sunrise or sunset, strictly limited) allows you to step between the stones and touch them. Book months in advance!