Mechelsdorf 3

The Mechelsdorf 3 megalithic tomb is a well-preserved simple dolmen oriented in a north-east to south-west direction. Each of the long sides features two supporting stones, which remain in situ. The stones on the short sides are also still in place. One capstone lies on top, though it is slightly displaced. The second capstone has rolled away. The entrance to the chamber is located at the western corner. Two supporting stones from the entrance still stand here.

The megalithic tomb can be reached by taking Meschendorfer Weg from Rerik, the road running north-east towards Mechelsdorf. At the edge of Rerik, there is a small sign pointing to the megalithic tomb, directing you from Meschendorfer Weg onto Bastorfer Weg, which branches off to the right. Drive along this road to the end. Unfortunately, it is not easy to find a place to park your car. Follow the path through a wooded area until you come directly to the megalithic tomb.

Visited June 2026

Taken from the on-site information board:

Simple dolmen
Neolithic megalithic tomb

This megalithic tomb consists of a chamber formed by one stone on each side and a capstone. This type of tomb is known as a simple dolmen. The tomb was constructed between 3500 and 3300 BC, making it one of the oldest megalithic tombs in the region.

Normally, when constructing simple dolmens, a low stone was used on one of the narrow sides, as this is where the entrance to the burial chamber was usually located. In the case of this particularly massive tomb, however, a short, sloping entrance was built into one corner of the burial chamber.

The burial chamber, with internal dimensions of approx. 2 x 1.2 m, and the passageway were originally embedded in a round mound of earth and boulders.

The excavation carried out in 1967 as part of a research project on megalithic tombs revealed that, after its initial occupation, the tomb was repeatedly used for secondary burials.