Background

Kreisgraben Puch: A Neolithic Enclosure

Explore the mysteries of Neolithic Europe at Kreisgraben Puch, a 7,000-year-old circular ditch system near Hollabrunn, Austria.

4.5

The Kreisgraben Puch is a circular ditch system dating back to the Middle Neolithic period, located near Hollabrunn, Austria. This historical landmark offers a glimpse into the lives and practices of early agricultural communities in Europe. The site consists of a double circular ditch, a palisade ring, and what may have been two entrances.

A brief summary to Kreisgraben Puch

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Kreisgrabenanlage Kleedorf, another Neolithic circular enclosure located just 300 meters away.
  • Visit the museum in Hollabrunn to see exhibits about the archaeology of the region, including artifacts discovered at the site.
  • Explore the Weinviertel region, known for its vineyards and rolling hills.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    From Hollabrunn, drive east following signs toward Puch. The site is located just outside the village. Parking is available near the site and is free. The drive is approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from Hollabrunn to Puch village. From there, it's a short walk (approximately 15-20 minutes) to the site. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. A single bus fare from Hollabrunn to Puch is approximately €2-3.

  • Walking

    For those who enjoy walking, the Kreisgrabenanlage Puch is accessible from Hollabrunn via a scenic route through the Weinviertel countryside. The walk is approximately 5-6 kilometers and takes about 1.5-2 hours. Follow the well-marked hiking trails, enjoying the views of the vineyards and rolling hills.

Unlock the Best of Kreisgraben Puch

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Kreisgraben Puch

The Kreisgraben Puch is a fascinating archaeological site located near the village of Puch, in Lower Austria. Dating back to the Middle Neolithic period (around 5000 BC), this circular ditch system provides valuable insights into the culture and practices of early agricultural societies in the region. The site consists of a double circular ditch with three parallel ditches. A palisade ditch measured approximately 48 meters in diameter and 1 meter in depth, while two pointed ditches measured roughly 60 and 80 meters in diameter, with a width and depth of 3.5 to 4.5 meters. The palisade, about 150 meters long, enclosed an area of approximately 1750 square meters, while the entire site covered about 5500 square meters. While the builders couldn't achieve a perfect circle, the structure is impressive. While the precise purpose of the Kreisgraben Puch remains a subject of scholarly debate, current interpretations suggest it served as a multifunctional construction with cultic-religious and socio-political significance. Some researchers propose that these circular enclosures may have functioned as gathering places with a calendar function, possibly aligned with astronomical events. The entrances appear to align with both topographical and astronomical features, suggesting the location was chosen intentionally. Today, the outlines of the Kreisgraben Puch have been made visible through varied vegetation. Information panels and a viewing point provide visitors with insights into the site.

Popular Experiences near Kreisgraben Puch

Popular Hotels near Kreisgraben Puch

Select Currency