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Hulbjerg Passage Grave: A Journey into the Neolithic Past

Explore Hulbjerg Passage Grave on Langeland, a fascinating Neolithic burial site offering a unique glimpse into Denmark's prehistoric past and the lives of the Funnelbeaker culture.

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Step back in time at Hulbjerg, a remarkably well-preserved Neolithic passage grave on the island of Langeland. Dating back to 3300-3200 BCE, this ancient burial site offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the Funnelbeaker culture. Explore the large burial chamber, constructed with impressive stonework, and imagine the rituals and ceremonies that once took place here. Discover the history of the site, where archaeologists unearthed numerous artifacts and human remains, including a skull with evidence of early dental work. Surrounded by a serene landscape of rolling hills and lush greenery, Hulbjerg provides a unique opportunity to connect with Denmark's prehistoric past and appreciate the ingenuity of its early inhabitants. The site is accessible year-round, inviting visitors to explore this captivating piece of history at their own pace. Don't miss the chance to experience the tranquility and historical significance of Hulbjerg, a testament to the enduring legacy of Neolithic cultures in Scandinavia.

A brief summary to Hulbjerg | Burial site from the Peasant Stone Age

Local tips

  • Bring a flashlight, as the interior of the passage grave is dark.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven ground.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Langeland Museum in Rudkøbing to see the artifacts excavated from the site.
  • Visit during the off-season for a more peaceful and solitary experience.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as the site is exposed to the elements.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Rudkøbing, take bus line 912 towards Bagenkop. The bus ride takes approximately 55 minutes. Get off at the 'Bagenkop Rtb.' bus stop. From there, walk approximately 1.5 kilometers south on Søgårdsvej to reach Hulbjerg. Check the FYNBUS website or app for current schedules and potential delays. A single bus ticket costs approximately 25 DKK.

  • Driving

    From Rudkøbing, follow Route 9 south towards Bagenkop. As you approach Bagenkop, turn onto Søgårdsvej. Continue on Søgårdsvej, and you will find the Hulbjerg Burial Site located at Søgårdsvej 10. Parking is available near the site. Be aware that parking might be limited during peak season. Driving time from Rudkøbing is approximately 30-40 minutes.

  • Walking

    From Bagenkop harbor, it's a pleasant walk of approximately 3 kilometers to Hulbjerg. Head south on Søgårdsvej, following the road out of town. The site will be on your left, situated on a small hill. The walk takes around 45 minutes to an hour, offering scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

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Discover more about Hulbjerg | Burial site from the Peasant Stone Age

Hulbjerg Passage Grave, or Hulbjerg Jættestue as it's known in Danish, is a captivating archaeological site located on the southern end of Langeland, Denmark. This Neolithic passage grave, dating back to approximately 3300-3200 BCE, provides a tangible link to the Funnelbeaker culture (TRB), a significant Neolithic culture in Northern Europe. The site is not just a collection of stones; it's a portal to understanding the beliefs, rituals, and social structures of the people who lived in this region over 5,000 years ago. The passage grave itself is an impressive feat of engineering. The rectangular burial chamber, measuring approximately 6.5 by 1.7 meters, is embedded within a round barrow, or burial mound, that spans about 20 meters in diameter. This barrow is framed by a ring of stones, adding to the monumentality of the site. The walls of the chamber are constructed from 13 large upright stones, meticulously fitted together and reinforced with a fine wall of hewn stone tiles. Originally, the chamber was covered by five large slabs of rock, but today, only three remain, supplemented by granite beams installed during a restoration in 1961. The floor of the chamber is paved with small, flat stones covered in burnt flint. One of the most distinctive features of Hulbjerg is its separate lateral passageway, which is unusually wide for this type of grave. This passageway, measuring 5 meters in length, provides access to the burial chamber and features stone doorframes and doorsteps at both ends. The presence of a corridor meant that it was easier to close it, but specifically also to open the burial chamber again and again. At the end of the passageway lies a large, flat stone, which may have served as a door or threshold. Excavations at Hulbjerg, most notably those conducted by Håkon Berg of the Langeland Museum in 1960-1961, have revealed a wealth of information about the site's history and use. Within the burial chamber, archaeologists discovered the remains of at least 36 adults and 17 children, along with a variety of artifacts, including sharpened flint axes and chisels, flint daggers, transverse arrowheads, decorated ceramics, and amber beads. The bones were scattered and partly sorted as older burials were cleared away to make way for new ones. This suggests that the passage grave was used for multiple burials over an extended period, possibly spanning centuries. One of the most remarkable finds from Hulbjerg is a skull that exhibits evidence of early dental treatment. The skull features a hole drilled into a molar tooth, likely performed with a flint drill to access and potentially relieve a painful abscess in the root canal. This discovery represents one of the earliest known examples of dental work in prehistoric Denmark, providing insights into the medical practices of the time. The hole in the Hulbjerg man's skull has healed edges, showing that he survived the operation. The significance of Hulbjerg extends beyond its archaeological value. The site is located in a landscape rich in ancient monuments, with over 20 barrows in the surrounding area. This concentration of burial mounds suggests that the region held special significance for Neolithic communities, possibly serving as a sacred landscape where the living could connect with their ancestors. Today, Hulbjerg Passage Grave is a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts. The site is located on public ground and is accessible year-round. Visitors can explore the burial chamber, marvel at the stonework, and contemplate the lives of the people who were buried here thousands of years ago. The excavated objects from Hulbjerg are on display at the Langeland Museum in Rudkøbing, providing further context and information about the site's history and significance. The parking lot is placed by the foot of the Hulbjerg hill. As the entry passage is low, one needs to crawl into the grave. Visiting Hulbjerg is an immersive experience that allows you to connect with Denmark's prehistoric past in a tangible way. As you stand within the burial chamber, surrounded by the ancient stones, you can almost hear the echoes of the Neolithic people who once gathered here to honor their dead and celebrate the cycle of life and death. Hulbjerg is a testament to the enduring legacy of these early cultures and a reminder of the deep roots of human history in the Scandinavian landscape.

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