The Pyramids of Euseigne are far, far older than the Pyramids of Giza – although, perhaps comparisons are a little unfair since they were crafted by natural forces, not human ingenuity. They are found in an alpine valley called Val d’Hérens in the Swiss Alps, not far from the village of Euseigne. 

Back in 1983, they were awarded a place in the Swiss Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance – and it’s not hard to see why.

Located amid the backdrop of green alpine forest, they consist of 10-15-meter (33-49 foot) high geological structures with rocks sitting on top. Despite first appearances, these dark top rocks were not placed there, but rather ended up on top of the towers through geological erosion processes.

The strange sight was formed naturally during the end phase of the last Ice Age, around 80,000 to 10,000 years ago, according to Switzerland Tourism.

As glaciers receded amid warming temperatures, their tongues deposited massive amounts of softer material known as moraines, embedded with harder boulders. Over time, rain and meltwater washed away the softer debris, exposing the hardy boulders. They act like tough capstones, shielding the underlying moraines from further erosion, leaving the columns beneath.

It’s possible to drive through the Pyramides d’Euseigne thanks to a mountain road that passes through the rock structure. 

They won’t be around forever, though – they have been described as  “symbols of transience” because the structure will continue to erode and someday will be gone. 

This type of geological feature goes by a few different names, including a hoodoo, a tent rock, and a fairy chimney. These formations are found in various parts of the world where specific geological conditions create a combination of harder rock and softer rock layers. For instance, the Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is scattered with hoodoos that appear to defy gravity and sense. The Hoodoos of Cappadocia in Turkey are equally impressive examples.