Nucleus

Stralendorf 1 aka Hünenbett ohne Kammer von Stralendorf aka Zülow is an impressive unchambered trapezoid north-south oriented long barrow dating to 3500–2800 BC. It lies today at the western edge of the village of Stralendorf, in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district, directly beside a road called Gartenweg. At 125 metres in length it is the longest megalithic monument in Mecklenburg and one of the longest in Germany. Its width narrows from about 4.0 m at the southern end to just 1.5 m at the north, and the stones themselves get smaller towards the north as well.

The mound was still largely intact in 1934. It was excavated and reconstructed in 1964 by Ewald Schuldt, whose work showed that every one of the kerbstones had survived. Beneath the mound, six separate stone pavements — laid both across and along the barrow’s axis — were found, a construction feature typical of this monument type. The excavator concluded that the barrow was originally only 38 m long and was later extended to its present length.

Unlike most Giants Beds of this type, this one has no chamber at all — no human bones were recovered here, only grave goods: 108 pottery sherds, five arrowheads, four amphorae, four blades, four scrapers, two funnel beakers, a dagger, a flat axe, a hollow chisel, a transverse arrowhead, a hammerstone, a wide-mouthed pot and a bowl. Its sheer length alone makes it worth the detour even for visitors who have seen plenty of chambered tombs elsewhere.

Coming from Schwerin, head towards Hagenow/Pampow, turn off towards Pampow and drive through the village in the direction of Stralendorf. In Stralendorf, follow the

Taken from the on-site information board:

Giants Bed
Neolithic period

This Neolithic burial site is a ‘megalithic tomb without a chamber’ featuring a trapezoidal stone enclosure. A burial chamber built from large stone blocks – otherwise characteristic of megalithic tombs (large stone tombs) – is not present here.

Measuring 125 metres in length, this burial site ranks among the longest Neolithic sites of its kind.

During the archaeological investigation carried out by E. Schuldt in 1964, six individual burials were identified in the earthen embankment; these had been dug lengthways and crossways into the natural sandy soil and were each covered with a layer of stones roughly the size of a fist.

The finds: a flat axe, a hollow chisel, a dagger, blades, scrapers and flint arrowheads. Also, shards of ceramic funnel-beakers and amphorae.

Everstorfer Forst Nord 10, like Everstorfer Forst Nord 9, was known solely as a Bronze Age burial mound until it was excavated by E. Schuldt. These are the remains of a small chamber, which has since receded somewhat back into the hill.It has two supporting stones on each of its long sides. One of the supporting stones has toppled into the chamber. The northern keystone is also still in place. The opposite side is only half-closed by a stone; this was apparently where the entrance was located. A stone lying next to it is probably the remains of an enclosure. Several other stones are scattered across the hill. One of the capstones was taken to Hamberge, some two kilometres further west, in 1922 and erected there as a memorial to the victims of the First World War. It is adorned with numerous small cup marks.

Everstorfer Forst Nord 10 lies about 500 metres west of the signposted northern group of megalithic tombs. Take the road that runs past this group and continue towards Grevesmühlen. Just before the woodland begins to the north of the road, a path branches off to the south into the woods (it’s easy to find a parking space here). Follow the path and, after a short while, you will come across two very conspicuous mounds on which the two stone tombs are situated. Everstorfer Forst Nord 10 is the western of the two.

Visited June 2026

Taken from the on-site information board:

During the Bronze Age (2nd millennium BCE), burial mounds were constructed from turf, earth or stones as tombs for a single individual. Initially, burials in wooden coffins were carried out in such mounds. Later, after religious beliefs had evidently changed and cremation had become widespread from the Middle Bronze Age onwards, the charred skeletal remains were initially scattered in the space originally intended for the wooden coffin within the mound, and later urn burials were carried out.

It is not uncommon to find secondary burials in such mounds, some of which took place much later. Originally, the majority of megalithic tombs (also known as giant’s tombs) were also located in or beneath mounds. Burial mounds were often clustered together. Like the megalithic tombs, they were defining features of the Mecklenburg landscape until the introduction of land consolidation. They served as landmarks for travellers and as boundary markers for the local population.

According to the information board on site, Everstorfer Forst Nord 9 is a rather badly damaged, extended dolmen situated on a considerably high mound. One supporting stone remains in situ, probably a keystone of the chamber. Another stone is no longer in situ; part of it may also have been blasted away. A third stone lies within the chamber, the approximate dimensions of which can be discerned from the hole at the top of the mound. A presumed fourth supporting stone lies on the slope of the hill. Until its excavation by E. Schuldt in 1967, this tomb (also by Sprockhoff) was known only as a burial mound.

Everstorfer Forst Nord 9 lies about 500 metres west of the signposted northern group of megalithic tombs. Take the road that runs past this group and continue towards Grevesmühlen. Just before the woodland begins to the north of the road, a path branches off to the south into the woods (it’s easy to find a parking space here). Follow the path and, after a short while, you will come across two very conspicuous mounds on which the two stone tombs are situated. Everstorfer Forst Nord 9 is the eastern of the two.

Everstorfer Forst Nord 7, a partially destroyed dolmen, lies next to Everstorfer Forst Nord 6. It is probably a small chamber that once had two capstones. Only three supporting stones appear to remain more or less in situ. Other stones have been displaced, including, in all likelihood, a capstone.

This is the last and westernmost of the eight graves in the northern group, which lie close together. It is situated approximately 30 metres west of Everstorfer Forst Nord 6. The two remaining tombs (Everstorfer Forst Nord 9 and Everstorfer Forst Nord 10) in the northern group are located some 600 metres further west.

Visited June 2026

If Everstorfer Forst Süd 1 is the pinnacle tomb of the southern group, Everstorfer Forst Nord 6 is the outstanding tomb of the northern group.

Among all the monuments of the northern group, this long barrow has the greatest length, and one of its guardian stones still stands — though one end and several kerbstones are missing. The chamber has an obliquely-set passage of flat slabs, which is unusual for a simple dolmen; only a very small number of dolmens lie obliquely within their barrow as a whole. The roughly 1.1 m high, 2.0 m long and 0.8 m wide chamber lies as a “transverse-liner” in the western part of an at least 45 m long and 5.5 m wide rectangular, east-west oriented long barrow. The chamber’s own capstone is missing, but the capstone covering the passage area survives.

Everstorfer Forst Nord 6 is situated about 40 metres further west of the heavily damaged extendend dolmen Everstorfer Forst Nord 5.

Visited June 2026

Everstorfer Forst Nord 5 is an extended dolmen of which only three large supporting stones and numerous small stones remain. The supporting stones appear to be in situ, making it possible to reconstruct the dimensions of the chamber. The capstones are no longer present.

Despite its ruinous state, the site still functions as a clear waypoint along the row — the long barrow of Everstorfer Forst Nord 6 lies about 40 m further west, while looking back east, the long barrow of Everstorfer Forst Nord 3 is visible roughly 70 m away in the background.

Everstorfer Forst Nord 8 is a simple dolmen that was only discovered during Ewald Schuldt’s 1966 excavations, hidden beneath a flat earthen mound — which is why it never received a Sprockhoff number. The gangless chamber, about 0.8 m high, 2.4 m long and 0.8 m wide, is oriented north-south. Its capstone appears to have been broken into two pieces, apparently by blasting or splitting.

This is the only dolmen in Schuldt’s entire excavation series found lying sunk below the original ground level rather than raised within a visible mound — probably the reason it stayed hidden from Sprockhoff’s original 1930s survey and only came to light decades later.

It lies about 30 m from the long barrow Everstorfer Forst Nord 3.

Visited June 2026

This long barrow lies parallel south of grave Everstorfer Forst Nord 3 and has been quite heavily disturbed; the original length of the monument may have been around 44 metres according to the on site information sign. It has not yet been excavated and examined.

Unlike its immediate neighbours to the north, this barrow sits slightly off the main east–west row, on the southern side — worth watching for as you move along the line of tombs, since it’s easy to walk straight past it.

Everstorfer Forst Nord 4 lies just to the south of Everstorfer Forst Nord 3 position.

Visited June 2026

Everstorfer Forst Nord 3 is a slightly trapezoid long barrow measures about 16 by 3.5–4 metres. The burial chamber sits at the eastern end of the barrow and was only discovered during later excavations.

The fact that the chamber went unnoticed for so long, hidden within the mound until excavation revealed it, is a good reminder of how much of this landscape’s structure lies just beneath the visible surface.

Coming from the east, this is the third tomb of the row, lying 30 m east of grave Everstorfer Forst Nord 2 — the two are visible from one another along the row.

Visited June 2026

Everstorfer Forst Nord 2 is a simple dolmen that is still partly embedded in the earth and, in Sprockhoff’s day, was completely hidden within its round mound. It consists of a narrow chamber capped by a comparatively thick capstone.

Unlike most of its neighbours, this tomb was never fully excavated out of its covering mound — it still sits half-buried, giving a rare sense of what these barrows looked like before modern excavation stripped them bare.

It is the second tomb of the northern group, 100 m west of Everstorfer Forst Nord 1. Looking west from here, the long barrow of Everstorfer Forst Nord 3 already comes into view in the background.

Visited June 2026

This roughly 25 by 5.5 metre long barrow was badly damaged at its eastern end when a forest track was cut straight through it. The remains of the chamber — a simple dolmen — sit at this same eastern end, but are so disturbed that no coherent structure can be made out any more. The information board on site displays a plan showing both the current and the original outline of the long barrow.

From the B105 in the forest between Gressow and Grevesmühlen, head towards Barendorf. After about 2.4 km, turn left at the junction. After a further 250 m you reach the wooded area of the northern group. A small parking area with an information board showing the layout of the graves can be seend from. Everstorfer Forst Nord 1 lies right at the forest edge, the first tomb you reach.

Visited June 2026

Everstorfer Forst Süd 5 is a heavily damaged extended dolmen oriented in a north-west to south-east direction. Only four supporting stones remain in an elongated depression. The dimensions of the chamber were determined from the cobblestone paving found during an excavation in 1967. Each short side of the chamber, measuring 4.6 by 1.3 metres, featured four supporting stones. The reconstruction assumes the presence of two capstones.

To get to the tomb, walk a short distance north-west along the road from the Südgruppe car park, leaving the B105 behind you. After about 30 metres, a forest track branches off to the left towards the west. Follow the path for about 75 metres; a sign reading ‘Geschütztes Bodendenkma’l (Protected Archaeological Site) marks the footpath that leads to the left and in about 40 metres to the tomb.

Visited June 2026

Taken from the on-site information board:

Stone Age megalithic tomb
—a destroyed dolmen—

At a time when humankind made do with simple earthen caves, tent-like huts or stilt houses as dwellings, they erected structures for eternity for their dead. Even today, on remote moors or in secluded woods, we still find massive stone structures as the half-vanished remnants of that distant prehistory (4th millennium BCE), some of which, like this one, fell victim to stone quarrers.

This structure consisted of an approximately square chamber, which was sealed from above by capstones. Originally, this structure was probably also surrounded by a stone ring and covered with earth. This is a large dolmen of which only fragments remain. Apart from the four wall stones, the capstones, wall stones and keystones were dismantled by stone cutters and were probably used for road construction.

During an investigation of the site by the Mecklenburg archaeologist Prof. Dr Ewald SchuIdt in 1967, remains of a cobblestone paving were found in the chamber floor. This made it possible to determine the chamber’s original dimensions precisely as 1.3 m wide and 4.6 m long. The positions of the wall stones, which are now missing, could also be identified.

Despite the extensive damage to the site, the drawn reconstruction provides an impressive picture of the original chamber.

Everstorfer Forst Süd 4 or Ganggrab von Jamel is a near-complete passage grave that sits within a trapezoid long barrow; of the kerb, however, only a few stones on the western and southern sides survive. The tomb is a north-west/south-east oriented Funnel Beaker Culture (TBK) construction dating to 3500–2800 BC — the classic passage-grave form of a chamber with a laterally attached, structurally separate passage.

Of the two surviving capstones, both have slipped down into the chamber; the western one is now propped up on a modern concrete base. The southern end of the entrance passage, along with its capstones, is missing entirely.

To get to the tomb, walk a short distance north-west along the road from the Südgruppe car park, leaving the B105 behind you. After about 30 metres, a forest track branches off to the left towards the west. Follow this for about 170 metres; here, a small footpath leads north-west and, after a further 40 metres or so, you reach the grave.

Visited June 2026

Taken from the on-site information board:

As arable farming and livestock rearing became increasingly prevalent in the North German Plain, supplanting the traditional hunter-gatherer economy, the farming communities settling there began, during the 4th millennium BCE, to construct burial monuments from large boulders that remain impressive to this day.

These stone monuments, also known as ‘megalithic tombs’ (a term derived from Greek), were communal graves. They were not used to inter the mortal remains of distinguished individuals, but rather those of a settlement or village community. However, as we now know, it was not the bodies of the deceased that were interred here, but rather, in the manner of ossuaries, their bones—which had already been buried elsewhere for some time—together with the remains of the original burial site.

This megalithic tomb was first mentioned in 1846 by G. L. F. Lisch. In 1927, it was investigated by R. Beitz. A follow-up investigation was carried out in 1966 by the Mecklenburg archaeologist Prof. Dr Ewald Schuldt.

Despite the absence of some blocks, the length of the bed was determined to be 15 m and the width 10.5 m. The boundary stones, which are remarkably small compared to the chamber stones, were arranged in a trapezium shape. The rather wide gaps were filled with dry stonework made from rolled stones. A passage leading into the chamber was situated on the southern long side of the enclosure, between two larger blocks. Although the capstones were missing, it was possible to determine that it was originally probably constructed from three yokes. The passage, which ended between the third and fourth wall stones, was marked at the end by a large, broad threshold stone. The passage is approximately 2.5 m long, 0.6 m wide and 0.8 m high. In the large chamber, the floor was partly paved with boulders and divided into six sections by upright red sandstone slabs. Of the burial chamber, which consisted of six yokes, only two capstones remain.

This complex was built by members of the so-called Funnel Beaker Culture; subsequent burials in the burial chamber also date from the significantly younger Globular Amphora Culture and the Late Neolithic Individual Grave Culture.

The current appearance of the passage grave is the result of a reconstruction commissioned by the State Archaeologist W. Bastian in 1936.

Everstorfer Forst Süd 3 is a rectangular long barrow measures 22 x 5 metres and contains, roughly at its centre, a passage-less chamber built from six wall stones. No capstones survive. It lies in the southern group of the Everstorfer Forst, directly beside the Teufelsbackofen, in the same forest clearing.

To get to the tomb, walk south from the car park, cross the B105 and continue straight ahead along a forest path. After about 30 metres instead of turn left to Everstorfer Forst Süd 1 continue on the forest path for further 150 m . Here a forest path leads to the east (left). After 35 m a forest path to the right leads you to a small clearing with the tombs Teufelsbackofen and Everstorfer Forst Süd 3.

Visited June 2026

Everstorfer Forst Süd 2 also known as Teufelsbackofen (Devil’s Oven) is an extended dolmen within a round barrow. It belongs to the southern group of the Everstorfer Forst Megalithic Cemetery and is one of three well-preserved tombs south of the B105. It sits within the kerb of a small round barrow, of which 14 or 13 of the originally 24 kerbstones survive. It is an east-west oriented dolmen built from seven supporting stones and two capstones: two stones on three sides each, plus a half-stone on the access side. The chamber measures 2.5 m long, 1.8 m wide and 1.4 m high. The eastern, entrance-side capstone carries numerous Bronze Age cup marks up to 6 cm across and 3 cm deep, some even on its underside facing into the chamber; the second capstone shows only a few of these. The site was excavated and reconstructed in 1966. The smaller capstone, which had been displaced, was replaced. The stones of the enclosure had been displaced to varying degrees; here, a circular arrangement was restored.

To get to the tomb, walk south from the car park, cross the B105 and continue straight ahead along a forest path. After about 30 metres instead of turn left to Everstorfer Forst Süd 1 continue on the forest path for further 150 m . Here a forest path leads to the east (left). After 35 m a forest path to the right leads you to a small clearing with the tombs Teufelsbackofen and Everstorfer Forst Süd 3.

Visited June 2026

Taken from the on-site information board:

Teufelsbackofen (Devil’s Oven)
Dolmen, Cup Mark Stone and Giant’s Bed

In this clearing there are two megalithic tombs of different types. One is a massive, extended dolmen surrounded by a stone circle, and the other is a long Giant’s Bed (Hünenbett) with a ‘small stone chamber’.

In earlier centuries, people could think of no other explanation for the construction of these burial sites than that they were the work of giants (Hünen).

It seemed inconceivable that these tombs could have been built by humans using only the most basic technical tools.

Numerous legends surround the ‘giant’s tombs’, which also explains the name ‘giant’s oven’ or ‘devil’s oven’. Apparently, it was believed that the extended dolmen was a kind of oven.

One of the dolmen’s capstones is covered with numerous small indentations (little bowls). Ethnographic traditions suggest it is likely that healing rock powder was extracted here.

Wow, this site is huge and impressive!!!

Everstorfer Forst Süd 1, also known as Naschendorf 1 or Riesengrab, is considered one of the largest, best-preserved megalithic site and undoubtedly one of the finest in Germany.

The site is oriented roughly north-west to south-east and consists of a rectangular long barrow measuring approximately 40 × 10 metres and a passage grave with a trapezoidal chamber approximately 7.2 m long, 2.4 to 1.7 m wide and 1.6 to 1.4 m high, to which a passage approximately 3.0 m long is attached off-centre to one side. In total, around 50 massive stone blocks make up the enclosure; within the chamber lies an imposing dolmen with four capstones resting on top. According to Sprockhoff’s survey, the structure was apparently completely intact – since then, only a few of the surrounding stones have tilted slightly or been displaced.

This site – together with the tombs in the immediate vicinity (Teufelsbackofen, Everstorfer Forst Süd 3) – reminds me of a similar cluster of megalithic tombs near Wildeshausen in Lower Saxony (Visbeker Bräutigam, Visbeker Braut), particularly in terms of the layout of the sites.

To reach the tomb, walk south from the car park, cross the B105 and continue straight ahead along a forest path. After about 30 metres, turn right and you will reach the site – which you can already see through the trees from a distance – after about 80 metres.

Highly recommended!

Visited June 2026

Taken from the on-site information board:

Passage grave
in a long chamber with large surrounding stones

People have been fascinated by tombs build by large stones – also known as megalithic tombs or giant’s graves – for many generations before us. Many legends are associated with these stone structures. Time and again, the construction of these structures is attributed to giants.

Archaeological research into these structures, however, has revealed that they are tombs used over several generations.

When bodies were placed in the tomb, the skeletal remains of those buried earlier were in some cases carefully moved aside and piled up to form bone deposits.

These communal or collective graves served as the centre of life or as a territorial ‘marker’ for Stone Age settlers. However, they will also have strengthened the sense of belonging as a place of ancestral worship and as a kind of ‘collective memory’.

The Northern Group (Nordgruppe)

Situated deeper in the quiet woodland northwest of the village of Barendorf, the Northern Group offers a more secluded and mystical atmosphere.

It comprises the remaining ten megalithic tombs of the complex, which are arranged in a fascinating, centuries-old linear alignment that stretches for several hundred meters through the trees.

This section showcases a impressive variety of architectural styles, including elongated earthen mounds enclosed by rectangular stone borders and larger communal passage graves.

Inexplicably, the Northern Group does not have its own designated car park. However, you can park your car at the starting point of the Northern Group (at Everstorfer Forst Nord 1), on the edge of the forest.

Visited June 2026

The Southern Group (Südgruppe)

The easily accessible Southern Group is located directly along the B105 A-road making it the primary gateway for visitors. This cluster consists of five (formerly eight) prehistoric tombs, with three situated south of the highway and two to the north. Equipped with an official parking lot and informative display panels, this area is ideal for a quick visit.

Visited June 2026

The Everstorfer Forst near Grevesmühlen features a remarkable ensemble of fifteen Neolithic megalithic tombs dating back to the Funnelbeaker culture between 3500 and 2800 BC. Visitors to this historic woodland can explore an exceptional variety of ancient burial architecture, ranging from simple small dolmens to massive communal passage graves and elongated earthen mounds enclosed by prominent stone borders.

The complex is divided into two main clusters that are separated by fields and forest trails. The easily accessible Southern Group is located right next to the B105 A-road, where an official parking lot and informative display panels welcome visitors to explore its five tombs.

Deeper in the forest to the northwest of Barendorf lies the Northern Group, where the remaining ten tombs are arranged in a fascinating, centuries-old linear alignment that stretches for several hundred meters through the quiet woodland.

Visited June 2026

The megalithic tombs near Hohen Niendorf were originally three megalithic burial sites. All that is known about Hohen Niedorf 1 is that it was a simple dolmen. Hohen Niedorf 2 is situated in the castle grounds, just a few metres west of Jagdschloss zu Hohen Niendorf, and can be reached via a path. Hohen Niedorf 3 is also said to be located in the grounds; it may, however, simply be a misinterpretation of a pile of stones draped around an old tree.

The megalithic tomb comprises a north-south-facing burial chamber, originally encircled by a cairn, which is in fact a grand dolmen. The chamber originally had four pairs of wall stones along its long sides. On the eastern side, all four wall stones are still preserved, three of them in situ; the second stone from the south is tilted inwards. On the western long side, only the southern stone is visible; the others may be buried in the ground. The two end stones on the short sides are missing. The three original capstones are all still present, but no longer rest on the wall stones. The central capstone is broken into two pieces. The chamber is 5 m long and 1.8 m wide.

To get to the tomb, drive east from Westhof along the L122. About 1.4 km past Westhof, turn north at a bus shelter towards Hohen Niendorf. In Hohen Niendorf, follow the main road (Parkstraße), which curves westwards around the village and joins the Bastorfer Landweg. Just before you leave the village, there is a small car park on the right-hand side. Park your car here and walk about 75 metres to the signposted tomb.

Visited June 2026

According to Wikipedia, the Neu Gaarz 2 dolmen is a simple dolmen; however, the information sign on site refers to the megalithic tomb as a grand dolmen. Regardless of the correct classification, Neu Gaarz 2 is a beautifully preserved, north-south-facing dolmen.

Measuring 2.8 m in length, 1.5 m in width and 1.3 m in height, the chamber is exceptionally large for a simple dolmen, which is characterised by the sideways positioning of its supporting stones (it is the largest known simple dolmen). The passage, which is unusually long for a simple dolmen and set at an angle, is also a distinctive feature. It is 1.9 m long, approximately 0.8 m wide and the same height, and consisted of four supporting stones and two capstones, which now lie beside the passage. Originally, the chamber and passage were covered by a round mound of rolled stones. Eight small cup marks are carved into the chamber’s sole capstone, and 12 into one of the three supporting stones.

To reach the megalithic tomb, take the Mechelsdorfer Weg from Rerik – the road heading north-east towards Mechelsdorf. At the edge of Rerik, where a small sign points to the Mechelsdorf 3 megalithic tomb on Bastorfer Weg, which branches off to the right, continue straight on for about 1.2 km. Neu Gaarz 2 is clearly visible at the highest point of the road on the right-hand side, about 50 metres into the field.

Visited June 2026

Taken from the on-site information board:

The Mechelsdorf dolmen opens to the south-east via a bent passage. Originally, the chamber and passage were completely covered by a mound of earth. Small cup marks have been chiselled into the capstone of the chamber and into a standing stone.

Dolmen
Neolithic megalithic tomb
(3200–3000 BC)
This tomb is a so-called grand dolmen with an attached passage. The term ‘dolmen’ originates from Breton and literally means ‘stone table’.

Dolmens were probably originally intended as graves for single individuals. They differ in this respect from the larger passage graves or megalithic tombs (collective graves), which were built to accommodate several.

This large dolmen, which was archaeologically investigated in 1967, is a unique example due to its unusually long and angled passage. The passage, composed of four side stones and two capstones, was 2 m long, approx. 0.8 m wide and the same height. The burial chamber itself is also exceptionally large, measuring 2.8 m in length, 1.5 m in width and 1.25 m in height.

Small cup-shaped indentations have been chiselled into the capstone of the chamber and one of the side stones. Such indentations were created during ritual acts which may have served to obtain rock powder considered to have healing properties.

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.

Neu Gaarz 1 is a north-east to south-west oriented passage grave situated in a slight depression. Eleven supporting stones remain, whilst four are missing. The capstones have collapsed into the chamber or are missing. The chamber was divided into a total of nine compartments. A distinctive feature is the entrance porch consisting of four pairs of posts.

From the Rerik–Kröpelin road, a road branches off to the left towards Neu Gaarz at the level of the two graves Gaarzer Hof 1 and Gaarzer Hof 2. Follow this road for just under 700 metres until the road ‘Zum Dolmen’ branches off to the left into a small industrial estate. There is also a signpost indicating the location of the grave. Follow the road for about 100 metres to the end, and you will arrive directly at the site.

Visited June 2026

Taken from the on-site information board:

Passage grave
Neolithic megalithic tomb
(3100–2900 BC)
The construction of passage graves of this type marked the end of a tradition, long held in high regard in Mecklenburg over many centuries, of erecting funerary monuments as central burial sites for entire settlement communities, using boulders weighing several tonnes.

Numerous objects were recovered from the burial chamber of this tomb, which had been placed in the grave with the deceased to accompany them on their journey to the afterlife. These included both pottery vessels and weapons in the form of arrowheads and flint tools, as well as two stone axes.

Of particular interest is the discovery of several pottery fragments and carefully crafted amber beads dating from the mid-3rd millennium BC. These indicate that the passage grave continued to be used as a burial site for many centuries after its construction.

The tomb was archaeologically investigated in 1967, during which it was discovered that the 9.5 m long and 2 m wide burial chamber had an internal partition comprising vertically placed stone slabs. Access was from the south. Here there was a passage approximately 1 m wide, bounded on both sides by wooden posts.

Garzer Hof 1 and Garzer Hof 2 are situated just about 150 metres apart in a field, so it makes sense to visit both megalithic tombs at the same time.

Garzer Hof 2 is a Grand dolmen (or extended dolmen) with a passage and a burial chamber, it is the westernmost of the two graves. The chamber is 5.00 metres long, 1.90 metres wide at the northern end and tapers to 1.20 metres at the southern end. To the south is the passage, which is 1.20 metres long, 0.60 metres wide and 0.80 metres high. The chamber consisted of three yokes; of the three capstones that originally covered it, two remain. The two capstones covering the entrance are missing. A doorstep stone can be seen at the start of the passage. The chamber featured a clay floor and was divided into compartments. Of the rectangular burial chamber, measuring 9.50 metres in length and 8.50 metres in width, stones have survived only on the northern and southern sides. The way it’s built reminds me very much of Wayland’s Smithy (Oxfordshire), only on a smaller scale.

To visit the tombs, drive east from Rerik along Kröpeliner Straße (L122) towards Garvsmühlen. About 1 km past Rerik, there is a bus stop with a small shelter on the right-hand side. The footpath leading to the two graves begins immediately behind the shelter. Although the adjacent fields are used for farming, the tombs are easily accessible even in summer thanks to the access path; however, Grazer Hof 2 in particular is now heavily overgrown, so the structures may be more clearly visible if you visit in autumn or winter. You can park your car in the car park of a nearby war graves site.

Visited June 2026

Garzer Hof 1 and Garzer Hof 2 are situated just about 150 metres apart in a field, so it makes sense to visit both megalithic tombs at the same time.

Garzer Hof 1 is a passage grave and the easternmost of the two graves. The chamber, which is 6.70 metres long, 1.90 metres wide and 1.50 metres high, is oriented in an east-west direction. The chamber consisted of five yokes; only one of the supporting stones on the northern side is missing. Two of the chamber’s capstones are still in place. The entrance is on the south side and measures 3 metres in length by 0.80 metres in width. Doorstep stones are situated at the start and in the middle of the passage. The structure originally had five capstones, two of which have survived.

To visit the tombs, drive east from Rerik along Kröpeliner Straße (L122) towards Garvsmühlen. About 1 km past Rerik, there is a bus stop with a small shelter on the right-hand side. The footpath leading to the two graves begins immediately behind the shelter. Although the adjacent fields are used for farming, the tombs are easily accessible even in summer time, thanks to the access path. However, Grazer Hof 2 in particular is now heavily overgrown, so the structures may be more clearly visible if you visit in autumn or winter. You can park your car in the car park of a nearby war graves site.

Visited June 2026

Taken from the on-site information board:

Grand dolmen
Megalithic tomb of the Neolithic
(3200–3000 BC)

This grand dolmen was excavated in 1967. The tomb was surrounded by an oval mound approximately 2 metres high. The surface of the mound reached up to the upper edge of the six lateral supporting stones. These supported two massive capstones.

The roughly rectangular burial chamber was accessed via a narrow passage, approximately 1.5 m long, at one end.

The tomb was constructed using animal or human power. The stones, weighing several tonnes, were moved using traction and leverage via rollers.

The chamber is 5 m long, 1.2 to 1.9 m wide and 1.6 m high. The floor consisted of compacted clay and was divided into several sections by red sandstone slabs.

Taken from the on-site information board:

Passage grave
Neolithic megalithic tomb

This passage grave, dating from the Funnel Beaker Culture period, represents a late variant in the development of megalithic tombs. It was constructed between 3100 and 2950 BC.

During excavations, approximately 380 artefacts were recovered from this tomb. These include a clay vessel featuring a depiction of a face.

Among the grave goods found in the tomb are also numerous everyday objects and vessels dating from the period between 2900 and 2800 BC. This makes it clear that the tomb was used repeatedly as a burial site for more than 300 years.

The fact that the builders of the megalithic tombs carefully selected the stones used is clearly evident from the straight chamber walls and the well-fitting capstones. The gaps between the standing stones were filled, for the most part, with flat stones.
The burial chambers were originally covered with thick layers of earth and stone, creating mounds that were sometimes round and sometimes elongated. On the outside, these mounds were often additionally surrounded by boulders.

In the immediate vicinity of the Baltic seaside resort of Rerik, there are eight easily accessible and very well-preserved megalithic tombs.
Blengow (aka Voßberg), however, is the one in the poorest condition.

This megalithic tomb of an unknown type has been severely disturbed. It is a dolmen which originally contained a transversely oriented chamber. Eight stones from the eastern and two from the western long sides of the dolmen’s enclosure remain. The width of the dolmen can be given as 5.7 metres. Ernst Sprockhoff makes no mention of any surviving stones from the chamber. At present, however, a supporting stone and a capstone can be seen on the mound. Apparently, they were found during excavations.

Sprockhoff regards the northernmost stone on the eastern long side as the corner stone of the narrow side. This stone has a distinctive feature. Its surface is smooth and it bears a number of cup marks and seven engraved wheel crosses, each approximately 15–20 cm in diameter.

To reach the grave, drive north from Roggow along the K7 country road towards Rerik. After about 2.5 km, turn right at a long left-hand bend towards Blengow (east). In Blengow, stay on the ”Dorfstraße“, drive round the village pond and then head east out of the village. After about 900 metres, a road branches off to the right towards Zweedorf. There is also a signpost there pointing to the grave. Follow this road for just under 200 metres. The site is then located in the field, about 60 metres from the road, on a gentle hill covered with a few trees. There is a small parking lot at the edge of the field.

Visited June 2026

Taken from the on-site information board:

Voßberg
Neolithic megalithic tomb
(3300–3100 BC)

The visible stones of the structure suggest that the tomb was constructed as a dolmen arranged in a long-bed.

The shape and size of the boulder lying immediately next to the monument suggest that it was formerly the capstone of the chamber.

At least seven wheel crosses and several cup marks have been chiselled into the surface of this stone.

Whilst the cup marks were probably carved during the tomb’s period of use – presumably to hold offerings – the wheel crosses were not added until centuries later during the Bronze Age (2000–500 BC). They are generally interpreted as sun symbols and thus as indications of a sun cult.

Similar wheel crosses are also known from Mechelsdorf and Neu-Gaarz; however, they are predominantly found in Scandinavia.

Blankensee is a well preserved passage grave situated in a wooded area south of Lübeck Airport. It lies in a slight depression; the burial mound that originally covered the grave can still be clearly made out by surrounding stones. The tomb, classified as a “Holsteiner chamber“, is constructed from large boulders. Four supporting stones on the northern long side and five (or six) on the southern long side support the four capstones (of which the two western ones are of considerable size); two end stones on the western short side and one end stone on the eastern short side enclose the chamber. The entrance is situated on the southern long side and consists of two yokes; some of the stones have fallen out. Large sections of the surrounding wall are still preserved. A long side running in a north-east to south-west direction can be made out; it therefore does not run parallel to the chamber.

In older photographs, a wooden fence can be seen right next to the grave. Fortunately, there was no trace of it left when I visited.

To reach the tomb, coming from the A20, take the Lübeck-Süd exit and follow the B207 towards Lübeck. About 800 metres after the exit, leave the B207 and cross the bridge heading west towards Beidendorf and Krummesse. Immediately after the bridge, turn left and continue along the northern edge of the woodland until you reach a railway line. Just before the railway line, turn right (south). After about 150 metres, you’ll come to a small car park or passing place. From here, you can already see the grave, which is situated directly next to the parking lot.

Visited June 2026

On my megalithic tours, whenever I visit a megalithic tomb, I’m always glad when I’m the only visitor and have the site all to myself, so I can let it work its magic on me. That’s why I had mixed feelings when I saw two vehicles on the narrow forest track leading to the tomb.

So when I heard voices and saw people from a distance as I approached the tomb, I was a little disappointed. Blimey, couldn’t they have picked another day for their visit? As it turned out, the grave was being surveyed using a 3D scanner by staff and students from a university in Schleswig-Holstein.

On the one hand, it was interesting to see how a 3D model of a megalithic tomb is created; on the other hand, the various pieces of equipment and the noise generated by the scanners meant that there was no real ‘megalithic’ atmosphere. Taking reasonably good photos without the equipment – scanners and tripods – was a real challenge. Thanks god for AI, I was able to remove the objects in post procecing before uploading the images to TMA.

Reinfeld has an east-west-facing burial chamber. Its external length is 5.5 m and its internal length is 3.8 m; its external width is 2.5 m and its internal width is 1.2 m. It is unclear where the original entrance to the chamber was located. Consequently, the exact type of tomb cannot be determined with certainty. Given the size of the chamber and the number of wall stones, it must have been either a large dolmen or a passage grave. The tomb is situated in a prominent spot on a small hill, accessed via a few steps.

To get to the tomb, take the Reinfeld exit from the A1 motorway. After about 800 metres, turn left onto the B75. Follow this for about 2.2 km before turning right onto Kalkgraben, heading north. After about 1.5 km, you will come to a junction; here, turn left onto the street called Neuer Garten. After 350 metres, turn right onto Schuhwiesenweg. After about 220 metres, there is a car park on the right. You can park your car here and continue on foot for about 500 metres along the narrow road. Alternatively, you can try your luck about 250 metres further on, where you can park on a small patch of land to the left of the road. A forest path then leads from the road to the grave, heading north alongside a small stream. A sign marks the start of the path; from here, it’s about 500 metres to the grave.

Visited June 2026

This pair of stzanding stones is located on the lower southeast slopes of Cahernageeha, just west of the Coomnahorna river.
The stones stands 4m apart in a northeast-southwest line. The taller stone, at SW, is 1.75m high, the second stone rises to a high of 1.45m.

Some 275m to the northeast lies the four-stone row at Garrough.

To visit the site turn right from the N70 (Ring of Kerry) while driving towards Waterville, just after the Caherdaniel Post Office in a northeast direction. Drive for about 1.5 km, here the road turns to west. You can see the stone pair in a field to your left.

This site (listed as SMR KE088-035---- on National Monuments Service) is known locally as the ‘Giant’s Grave’. It is located in a sloping field about 135m SE of the early ecclesiastical site of Killabuonia, overlooking St Finan’s Bay to the southwest.

Unfortunately, it is not easy to identify a structure, which is why I cannot say what type of tomb it might be, or even whether it is a tomb at all. In my opinion, the D-shaped semi-arch argues against the wedge tombs, which are typical of the Iveragh Peninsula.

Drive north-east along Rathkieran Road towards Keel. About 1.6 km after Keel, the tomb is located in a field on the left-hand side, just before the road makes a sharp right-hand bend, climbs uphill and winds around the hill. There is a gate and a path leads towards the tomb.

Visited June 2014

The Visbeker Bräutigam (Visbek Bridegroom) is an ensemble of megalithic tombs (Sprockhoff Nos. 934–938) on the Route of Megalithic Culture and is located in the municipality of Großenkneten in the district of Oldenburg in Lower Saxony.

The largest of these tombs Visbecker Bräutigam 3 (Sprockhoff No. 936) is located together with the other tombs in this group in a mixed forest north of the sandy lowland stream Aue, which is called Engelmannsbäke in this area.

The counterpart to the Visbeker Bräutigam – the Visbeker Braut (Visbek Bride) megalithic tomb – is located approximately four kilometres to the east-northeast.

taken from the on-site information board:

Megalithic tomb

Burial site of the Neolithic Funnel Beaker Culture (approx. 3400 – 2800 BC). Long burial chamber (internal dimensions approx. 23.70 x 1.80 m) with entrance on the south-eastern long side and partially preserved boulder enclosure. The floor plan suggests that the chamber was extended on the west side.
Megalithic tombs were burial sites for several generations of a settlement community.
The tomb is a listed monument and protected by law.

taken from the on-site information board:

Megalithic tomb

Burial site of the Neolithic Funnel Beaker Culture (approx. 3400 – 2800 BC) in a mound measuring 17 metres in diameter.
Only one supporting stone and two capstones remain visible of what is probably still a completely preserved burial chamber.
Megalithic tombs were burial sites for several generations of a settlement community.
The tomb is a listed monument and protected by law.

Only a single stone and a barely recognisable mound remain of the Ahlhorn Landwehrbäke megalithic tomb. The stone is thought to be the southern stone of the narrow side of a chamber.

In the Lower Saxony Monument Atlas, the object is listed as an archaeological monument, megalithic tomb, ID 28954563, found location Großenkneten 179. According to the description “Weak, oval, east-west oriented elevation. Length approx. 20 m; width 4 m; height up to approx. 0.4 m. One stone preserved at the west end of the southern long side; pushed outwards. These remains of a megalithic tomb Ahlhorn Landwehrbäke lie within a former mound, also only partially preserved, approx. 29 m long and approx. 16 m wide.

To reach the tomb, take the L870 from Schneiderkrug north towards Ahlhorn. As soon as you reach the first houses, turn right onto the street ‘Am Scheidewald’. Follow this road until you reach a T-junction and turn right (south) onto ‘Meyelheide’. After about 300 metres, the road bends left into ‘Barkeler Berg’, while a dirt track continues straight ahead. It is best to leave your vehicle here (or continue to the edge of the forest) and follow the dirt track for about 360 metres to the first junction. If you follow the path to the right, the almost completely destroyed megalithic tomb is located 50 metres immediately to the right (north) of the forest path.

Visited September 2025

In the Lower Saxony Monument Atlas, the object is listed as an archaeological monument, megalithic tomb, ID 28943020, found location Emstek 17. According to the description “Mound approx. 40 x 15 m, SW – NE oriented. Height up to 0.7 m, with an elongated depression containing small stones. Remains of a chamber in the mound. At the south-eastern end of the mound lies a large boulder, which may belong to the grave. Otherwise, only small stones in the depression. A wooden hunting shelter anchored in the ground has been in the depression for some time.”

Unfortunately I couldn’t locate the mentioned boulder during my visit, although I have walked through the entire undergrowth several times.

The tomb is located south of the B213 between Ahlhorn and Cloppenburg. From the B213, turn south onto ‘Schlackenweg’ 2.5 km west of the A29. Turn left onto ‘Am Forst’ and drive on for 300m. The tomb is under a group of trees in a meadow, about 100 metres away.

Visited September 2025

The 12 Apostles (also known as the Apostle Stones) are a prehistoric menhir site near the Ahlhorn fish ponds, northwest of Ahlhorn.

The entire site extends 70 metres in a northeast-southwest direction and 24 metres in a northwest-southeast direction. It is believed to have originally consisted of 16 stones, of which only 13 remain today. When the fish ponds were constructed in 1922, a path and a ditch were created that run through the southern part of the site, causing considerable damage. At least one stone was sunk at that time.

It is difficult to verify whether the site was ever a prehistoric calendar, as the stones have been moved several times.

Unfortunately, during my visit, the site was barely visible, as only a few stones were visible due to heavy undergrowth and brambles.

To get to the 12 Apostles, take the B213 from Ahlhorn to Cloppenburg. Once you have crossed the A29, take the second road on the right towards the north-west (‘Zu den Fischteichen’) and after about 4 km you will reach a car park for hikers. From here, follow a footpath in a north-easterly direction (red hiking trail) until you reach a paved path after about 600 metres and turn right. After about 300 metres, you will reach the Apostle Stones, which are located on the left and right sides of the path.

Visited September 2025

taken from the on-site information board:

Natural monument ‘12 Apostles’

Have you counted them yet? These boulders are probably an arrangement made by human hands, possibly calendar stones for observing the annual cycle of the sun, with a location for the summer solstice.

Our ancestors in the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages worshipped cult stones as sanctuaries.

While driving from D30 – Exloo-Noord to Borger we came across this burial mound (known as a “grafheuvel” in Dutch).

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any further information apart from what was written on the small sign at the site.

Visited September 2025