Route of Megalithic Culture
Anyone who has always wanted to get to know the mysterious sides of Lower Saxony's diverse regions can embark on a special search for clues on the Road of Megalithic Culture: Between the Ems and Weser rivers, Osnabrück and Oldenburg, countless megalithic tombs entwined with myths and legends are waiting to be discovered by archaeology enthusiasts from near and far.
The Route of Megalithic Culture makes it possible to experience:
- the most fascinating archaeological monuments between the sea coast and the low mountain range;
- a world of fact and fiction: Feel the magic of the megalithic tombs entwined with devilish myths and majestic legends and learn many interesting facts about their origin and use;
- the roots of our European culture as well as the magnificent sights of the recent past in the Weser-Ems region.
Type of route: Themed route
Theme: Archaeology, History, Myths and legends, Culture, Architecture, Nature
Start / Finish: Osnabrück / Oldenburg
Length: 330 km
Federal state: Lower Saxony
Holiday regions: Osnabrück region, Emsland, Oldenburg Münsterland, Wildeshauser Geest Nature Park, Thülsfelder Talsperre recreation area, Oldenburg region
5000 years of history
On a route of around 330 kilometres, a total of 33 stations bring together the most impressive and best-preserved Neolithic burial sites in north-west Germany. The journey to the megalithic tombs (from the Greek mega = large and lithos = stone) becomes a fascinating journey into prehistory: built around 5,000 years ago, the stone monuments are even older than the Egyptian pyramids.
The pan-European distribution area stretches like a western belt from Scandinavia across the British Isles, France and the Iberian Peninsula to the northern edge of the African continent. The enigmatic "Stonehenge", the kilometre-long rows of stones at Carnac and the temples of Malta have achieved worldwide fame. However, the megalithic tombs presented on the Road of Megalithic Culture do not have to hide behind them at all.
On the contrary: as the oldest visible monuments above ground, they bear impressive witness to the beginnings of our common European civilisation - right on our doorstep - like no other relic from the past.
Stone Age Witnesses
On the tour of the Road of Megalithic Culture, travellers learn a lot of interesting facts about the enigmatic "stone age witnesses": From the sophisticated construction methods to the mysterious cult of the dead and belief in the afterlife, as well as the hitherto largely unknown everyday life of the people who lived in the north-west German region over thousands of years ago, to mystical transfigurations of the more recent past, a wide range of information is provided that contributes to a comprehensive understanding of this ancient, cross-border cultural form.
Cultural experiences
In addition to the archaeological treasures, this "fabulously" beautiful holiday route, which can also be explored just as well by bike and on foot due to its course away from the major motorways and federal roads, offers other "great" cultural experiences: Along the route, idyllic landscapes and charming towns with historic churches, windmills and castles, as well as exciting museums, invite you to take exciting detours.
Travel guide "SteinZeit Zeugen"
("Stone Age Witnesses")
The author Annette Bußmann goes back in the book "SteinZeit Zeugen" far into the past of northwest Germany. Here between Osnabrück and Oldenburg, Meppen and Wildeshausen, one encounters an impressive number of Neolithic large stone graves. Exceptionally diverse, they are among the oldest surviving structures in Europe. The book "Steinzeitzeugen – Reisen zur Urgeschichte Nordwestdeutschlands" by Isensee-Verlag is available from the offices of the Osnabrücker Land Tourist Association, the Wildeshauser Geest Association and Emsland Touristik at a price of € 9.90 (German only).
Folding map of the " Route of the Megalithic Culture"
The "Official Guide to the Megalithic Culture Cycle Route" and the folding map "Experience Megalithic Culture" designed for motorised travellers are available free of charge at the regional tourist offices.
The route was developed jointly by Lower Saxony tourism experts and archaeologists. The individual partners of the route will also be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Route guidance with parking space information
You can find the 33 locations of the megalithic culture in north-west Germany in our travel map
This information is a service offer from ALPINE in cooperation with FERIENSTRASSEN.INFO 
Emsland Touristik GmbH
Ordenederung
2 D-49716 Meppen
MEGALITHKULTUR ROAD
