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Hunebedden in Drenthe
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Historical site
The Hunebedden in Drenthe are prehistoric megalithic burial chambers belonging to the Funnelbeaker culture, constructed between 3400 and 2850 BC. These monumental structures were built using massive granite boulders that were transported from Scandinavia to the region by glaciers during the Saale glaciation. There are 54 remaining hunebeds in the Netherlands, with 52 of them located in the province of Drenthe. The largest among them, designated as D27, is situated near the village of Borger and consists of 47 stones with a total length exceeding 22 meters. Archaeological investigations have revealed that these sites functioned as collective graves for settled farming communities, containing artifacts such as pottery and stone tools. Today, these sites are strictly protected heritage monuments that define the local landscape. The Hunebedcentrum in Borger serves as an educational hub, providing visitors with scientific insights into Neolithic construction techniques and the lifestyle of the ancient inhabitants.
- Location: Drenthe, Netherlands
- Top sights: Hunebed D50 Noord-Sleen · Hunebed D51 Noord-Sleen · Hunebed D49 Papeloze kerk
- Nearby: Odoorn (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 77 | 61 | 54 | 39 | 58 | 64 | 79 | 82 | 63 | 67 | 70 | 77 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Hunebedden are freely accessible archaeological sites scattered across Drenthe. Most are reachable from small walking trails and can be visited at any time.
Typical hours
As open monuments, there are no opening hours - they are accessible around the clock. Some larger tombs have an adjacent visitor center with set hours.
Photography
Photography is expressly allowed and encouraged. For impressive shots of the megaliths, use the morning or evening sun that beautifully models the stones.
Time needed
A single Hunebed can be visited in 15-20 minutes. A cycling tour to several tombs (e.g. near Borger) takes about two to three hours.
Combine with
Combine Hunebedden viewing with a visit to the Hunebedden Centre in Borger. Drenthe also provides many cycling and hiking trails through the heathland.
Getting there
Most Hunebedden are reachable by car or bicycle. The Hunebedden cycling route passes many; parking is often near main roads.
Insider tip
Visit the Hunebedden Centre in Borger first for an overview and to borrow a free audio guide. Bring a picnic - the tombs are often set in beautiful countryside.
Geography
Facts
- There are a total of 54 preserved hunebeds in the Netherlands.
- The boulders were transported to Drenthe by glaciers about 150,000 years ago.
- The D27 hunebed near Borger is the longest, measuring 22.6 meters.
- Construction of these monuments dates back to 3400–2850 BC.
- The Funnelbeaker culture utilized these sites as collective burial chambers.
- Some of the capstones weigh more than 20 tons each.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Hunebedden in Drenthe (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are hunebedden?
They are prehistoric megalithic tombs from the Neolithic era, built from massive boulders.
How many hunebedden are there in Drenthe?
There are a total of 52 of these impressive stone tombs in the province of Drenthe.
Where is the largest hunebed located?
The largest hunebed (D27) is located in Borger, right next to the Hunebedcentrum.
Is there an entrance fee to see them?
The stone tombs themselves are located in the open landscape and are free to access.
How old are these structures?
They are about 5,000 years old and were built by the Funnelbeaker culture.
Hunebedden in Drenthe: where is it located?
Hunebedden in Drenthe is located in Drenthe, Netherlands.
Hunebedden in Drenthe: what is there to see?
Highlights include Hunebed D50 Noord-Sleen, Hunebed D51 Noord-Sleen, Hunebed D49 Papeloze kerk.
Hunebedden in Drenthe: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Hunebedden in Drenthe: why is it worth visiting?
The Hunebedden in Drenthe are prehistoric megalithic burial chambers belonging to the Funnelbeaker culture, constructed between 3400 and 2850 BC.
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