Archaeological sites in the Netherlands

Ancient Archaeological & Megalithic Sites

This collection highlights the Netherlands' earliest architectural history, ranging from Neolithic megalithic tombs to medieval fortifications. Most sites are concentrated in Drenthe, featuring 'hunebedden' built by the Funnelbeaker culture between 3400 and 2850 BC. The list also includes Carolingian ring-wall forts, medieval motte-and-bailey hills, and prehistoric burial mounds, providing a timeline of the region's defensive and ritual structures spanning several millennia.

Ancient Archaeological & Megalithic Sites — Map

Wim Bosmans / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Motte van Kessenich

A medieval motte-and-bailey castle hill located in the center of Kessenich, featuring the remains of a historic fortification opposite the local church.

Pimvantend / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Circular rampart

A circular rampart is an embankment built in the shape of a circle that was used as part of the defences for a military fortification, hill…

Encyacht / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Hunebed D30 Boswachterij Exloo

A megalithic tomb of the Neolithic Funnelbeaker culture located within the forest area of Boswachterij Exloo.

Ruud Zwart / CC BY-SA 2.5 nl

D

Hunebed D5 Zeijen

A Neolithic passage grave belonging to the Funnelbeaker culture, situated near the village of Zeijen.

Encyacht / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Hunebed D31 Hunzebos

A megalithic burial site of the Funnelbeaker culture located in the Hunzebos forest near Exloo.

F

Hunebed D2 Westervelde

A Neolithic megalithic tomb of the Funnelbeaker culture located near the village of Westervelde.

Sander Den Hoedt / CC-BY-SA

G

Hunebed D32 Odoorn

A Funnelbeaker culture megalithic tomb situated near the village of Odoorn.

Sander Den Hoedt / CC-BY-SA

H

Hunebed D34 Valthe West

A megalithic tomb of the Neolithic West Group located to the west of Valthe.

Gouwenaar / Public domain

I

Hunebed D22 Bronneger

The smallest surviving megalithic tomb (hunebed) in the Netherlands, part of a cluster of five tombs near the village of Bronneger.

Encyacht / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Hunebed D25 Bronneger

One of five Neolithic megalithic tombs located near the village of Bronneger in Drenthe.

Gouwenaar / Public domain

K

Hunebed D24 Bronneger

One of a cluster of five Neolithic burial chambers situated in the Bronneger area.

L

Hunebed D9 Annen

A megalithic burial site of the Funnelbeaker culture located in the village of Annen.

M

Hunebed D7 Boswachterij Schipborg

A Neolithic megalithic tomb located within the Schipborg forest area.

N

Hunebed D15 Loon

A Funnelbeaker culture megalithic tomb situated in the village of Loon.

O

Hunebed Westenesch-N D42

A Neolithic megalithic tomb of the Funnelbeaker culture located north of Westenesch.

P

Hunebed D36 Valthe-O

One of two megalithic tombs located on the eastern edge of Valthe.

Q

Katshaarschans

A military fortification in Coevorden consisting of raised earthworks, historically used for regional defense.

R

Hunebed D37 Valthe-O

A megalithic tomb located alongside D36 near the Ooster esch, south of the village of Valthe.

Wdejager / CC BY-SA 4.0

S

Hunebed D27 Borger

A large megalithic tomb of the Funnelbeaker culture in Borger. This archaeological site features wheelchair-accessible facilities.

T

Vlake

An archaeological site in Zeeland marking the location of a former settlement.

U

grafheuvel

A prehistoric burial mound, or tumulus, serving as an ancient funerary site.

V

Noordsche Veld

An archaeological site on heathland featuring prehistoric field systems, burial mounds, and an urn field.

Other Lists

Kingdom of the Netherlands: Essential Treasures Dutch Heritage Treasures Amsterdam Museums & Galleries Castles and Manor Houses Notable Places of Worship Windmills and Watermills Iconic Towers and Viewpoints Parks and Gardens of the Netherlands Dutch Architectural Gems Regional Cuisine & Dining