Picture by Holger.Ellgaard; License: CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
On Wulfener Berg on Fehmarn, there is an impressive symbolic reconstruction of a Stone Age long barrow, reminiscent of the monumental burial structures that stood here over 5,000 years ago. This 60-meter-long and 7-meter-wide stone formation made of boulders weighing several tons gives you an idea of how enormous the original megalithic tombs must have been, even if the modern replica differs from the original historical form.
The original long barrow was destroyed in 1876 when the valuable stones were needed for dyke construction, a fate that befell many Stone Age monuments. The replica, built in 2010, is less a scientifically accurate reconstruction than a modern interpretation intended to raise awareness of lost cultural heritage.
What makes this symbolic representation so special is that you can walk between the mighty stones and explore the accessible areas. Although it is not a faithful reconstruction of history, it still conveys an impressive sense of the dimensions and effort involved in such Stone Age constructions. Perfect for families, history buffs, and anyone who wonders how people without modern technology were able to erect such monumental stone structures.
Erfahre jetzt mehr und lies weiter.
Wulfener Berg was once much more than just the second highest elevation on Fehmarn. Between 3600 and 3200 BC – during the Neolithic period – it was the site of an important Stone Age burial ground. The Stone Age settlers did not choose this elevated spot by chance: from here, they had a wide view of the island and the sea, and the hill provided a dignified location for their monumental tombs.
The original long graves reached lengths of up to 130 meters, making them true “giant graves” among the megalithic tombs. These enormous structures consisted of boulders weighing several tons, which were stacked to form long rectangular burial chambers and covered by massive mounds of earth.
As early as 1836, archaeologist and pastor Diederich Harries examined the remains of the once-important burial ground at Wulfener Berg. His detailed records are invaluable today, as they document the last remnants of monumental Stone Age architecture before it disappeared for good.
The sad end came in 1876: the significant megalithic tomb, which had shaped the landscape for centuries, was completely demolished. The stones were needed as practical building material for dyke construction. This was common practice at the time, but it destroyed irreplaceable cultural monuments. What had survived for millennia disappeared within a few weeks under the hammers of the stone breakers.
The Wulfen long grave shared this fate with many other megalithic tombs in northern Germany. The valuable stones were prized as a free source of building material: boulders for foundations, blasted stones for road construction, massive capstones for dykes and harbor structures. The archaeological significance of these monuments was only recognized later, too late to save most of them.
Today, there are no original traces left of the original burial ground on Wulfener Berg. This makes the reconstruction created in 2010, which is based on historical descriptions and archaeological findings, all the more valuable, showing us what impressive monuments once shaped the landscape here.
What seemed lost forever in 1876 was brought back into public consciousness in 2010 thanks to the efforts of the Schönes Wulfen e.V. association. The association's members wanted to create a memorial to the destroyed long barrow, not as a scientifically accurate reconstruction, but as a modern interpretation that conveys the dimensions and significance of these Stone Age monuments.
Although the replica is based on the basic proportions and one of the smallest graves of the historic long beds there, it deviates from the original construction. While the Stone Age originals had precisely constructed burial chambers with elaborate masonry and a complete earth mound, a simplified, open design was chosen.
Boulders resembling the ice age stones used by Stone Age people were collected throughout Fehmarn. The project was quite complex, but the result is more of a modern sculpture than an archaeological reconstruction.
| Technical data of the symbolic replica (2010) | Details |
| Length | 60 Meter |
| Width | 7 Meter |
| Accessible areas | Openly accessible |
| Stone weight | Up to several tons per boulder |
| Special features | Sacrificial stone (historically inappropriate), no overburden, no intermediate masonry |
| Character | Modern interpretation, not faithful to the original |
The deviations from the historical original are clearly visible. For example, a so-called “sacrificial stone” was placed in the center, which does not belong in the context of Stone Age long graves. The original graves did not have such elements. Likewise, the earth mounds typical of Stone Age megalithic tombs and the precise masonry between the stones, which stabilized the original structures, are missing.
These decisions make the replica more of a modern interpretation than a scientifically accurate reconstruction. The goal was obviously to create a walk-in, visually impressive monument that draws attention to lost heritage, even if it does not show what the original long beds actually looked like.
Nevertheless, the imposing stone formation gives an impression of the enormous dimensions and the effort involved in constructing these Stone Age buildings.
The reconstructed long barrow at Wulfener Berg is a walk-in monument that gives you an idea of the dimensions of Stone Age megalithic tombs. You can explore the entire open stone formation and walk between the mighty boulders, which are at least as large as the enormous stones of the Ice Age.
The boulders, weighing tons, are actually authentic relics of the Ice Age. Each stone was transported hundreds of kilometers by glaciers and deposited here on Fehmarn. Stone Age people used stones just like these for their monumental tombs. Standing in front of these enormous stones, you get at least some idea of the logistical challenge it must have been to move and position them.
However, the “sacrificial stone” placed in the center is not part of the original design of Stone Age long beds and is a modern addition that is not historically accurate. The original graves did not have such central stones; they consisted of precisely constructed burial chambers with complex masonry and complete earth coverings.
The open construction without the typical mound makes the stone structure clearly visible and accessible, but does not correspond to the original appearance. From the outside, the real long graves looked like elongated mounds of earth, from which only the entrance areas to the burial chambers protruded.
Despite these historical inaccuracies, the replica stimulates the imagination: how did Stone Age people move stones weighing several tons without modern technology? The symbolic representation at least makes you think about the enormous physical effort that was required, even if the details are not correct.
The long barrow is conveniently located and accessible free of charge all year round. It is easy to get to and is ideal for a spontaneous visit or as part of a larger tour of Fehmarn.
| Practical information | Details |
| Address | Bargmöhl 28, 23769 Fehmarn OT Wulfen |
| GPS coordinates | 54.405377, 11.162334 |
| Parking | Free parking (approx. 300 m away) |
| Opening hours | Open all year round |
| Admission | Free of charge |
| Walking time | 5-10 minutes from the parking lot |
The approach is via the small village of Wulfen. Follow the signs to the golf course and you will find the Bargmöhl car park clearly signposted. From there, it is only a short, leisurely walk to the long grave. The path is also easily accessible for families with strollers or older visitors.
Free access around the clock makes the Langbettgrab a very flexible destination for an outing. You can easily combine it with other activities or drop by spontaneously when you are in the area. A visit in the evening hours is particularly atmospheric, when the warm light illuminates the boulders and creates an almost mystical atmosphere.
The symbolic long grave is an ideal destination for families, as it brings the Stone Age to life in a way that children find particularly fascinating. Although the replica is not historically accurate, it still gives an impressive impression of the dimensions of Stone Age structures. Children can walk between the enormous stones and get a feel for the physical challenges that such projects entailed.
The learning effect is considerable, even if we have to be honest: what can be seen here does not correspond exactly to the original long beds. Nevertheless, children intuitively understand the enormous effort required to move these stones, which weigh several tons, and develop respect for the achievements of Stone Age people. At the same time, the visit provides an opportunity to talk about the difference between historical reality and modern interpretation.
For history buffs, the symbolic long barrow is certainly interesting, but it should be understood for what it is: a modern interpretation, not a scientifically accurate reconstruction. Those interested in authentic Stone Age architecture should also visit other preserved megalithic tombs on Fehmarn.
A big advantage for families is the manageable length of the visit. The symbolic long bed grave can be explored quickly without anyone getting bored. It is perfect as part of a larger outing, although it should be explained that it is a modern representation.
The impressive rock formations make the replica a popular photo opportunity. Photos that show the size difference between people and the rocks are particularly impressive.
The location of the long barrow in Wulfen offers you a wide range of opportunities to extend your visit into a varied day trip. The small town and its surroundings offer something for everyone.
Right next door is the Fehmarn golf course, which has been attracting golfers from all over Germany since 1991. The 18-hole course is also suitable for beginners and offers spectacular views of Fehmarnsundbrücke. Even if you don't play golf, it's worth taking a walk around the edge of the well-maintained course – the combination of modern sport and Stone Age history is unique.
Just a few kilometers to the west lies Lemkenhafen with its historic mill, “Jachen Flünk.” This windmill houses a unique agricultural museum and shows how rural life on Fehmarn functioned over centuries. The combination of Stone Age long graves and traditional agriculture results in a fascinating journey through the island's history.
Nature lovers should definitely take a walk to the nearby cliff where sand martins drill their nesting tunnels into the cliffs in summer. Fehmarn's three cliffs offer spectacular views and show the island from its wild, unspoiled side.
For visitors with dogs the area around Wulfen is particularly attractive: wide open fields, walking paths along the water, and plenty of space to run around make this area a dog-friendly paradise.
The long grave on Wulfener Berg is not the only evidence of Stone Age settlement on Fehmarn. There are other Sights on Fehmarn, scattered across the island that tell the story of its long history.
Particularly noteworthy is the megalithic tomb “Alversteen” in the southwest of the island near Albertsdorf. It is considered the best-preserved original megalithic tomb on Fehmarn and shows what these structures originally looked like before they were used as quarries. Here you can still find the authentic stones, over 5,000 years old, in their original arrangement.
Further traces of the Stone Age can be found at Katharinenhof where one of the largest original long beds was located: 40 meters long, 18 meters wide, and 2 meters high. The Galgenberg near Petersdorf and the Hinrichsberg near Staberdorf also hold archaeological treasures that bear witness to the island's rich prehistory.
This diversity makes Fehmarn a true paradise for archaeology enthusiasts and shows how densely populated the island already was in the Stone Age.
The symbolic long grave on Wulfener Berg offers you an impressive, albeit not historically accurate, encounter with the scale of monumental Stone Age structures. Even though it does not show what the originals actually looked like, it still gives an impression of the enormous size and effort involved in such projects 5,000 years ago.
This special attraction shows you Fehmarn from a different perspective: as a place with thousands of years of human history, which unfortunately has been largely destroyed, but is being brought back into consciousness through dedicated—albeit not always scientifically accurate—memorial work. The symbolic long grave combines education and experience, even if it says more about modern history teaching than about Stone Age reality.
What is particularly interesting is the fact that a modern interpretation has been deliberately created here to draw attention to the lost heritage—even if it is not historically accurate. The Schönes Wulfen e.V. working group has created a place of wonder that reminds us of the important cultural monuments that have been irretrievably lost.
The free and always accessible symbolic long grave is an interesting stop on any vacation to Fehmarn.
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