Mundersum megalithic tomb
Mundersum megalithic tomb
Highlight • Historical Site
Hiking
5.0
(9)
The Großsteingrab Mundersum, also known as Großsteingrab Mundersumer Sand, is a significant Neolithic megalithic tomb located near Mundersum, a district of Lingen (Ems) in the Emsland region of Lower Saxony, Germany. This ancient historical site, dating back over 5,000 years to the Funnelbeaker culture, stands as a testament to early agricultural societies. Situated at an elevation of approximately 56 meters within the "Mundersumer Sand" dune area of the Lingen State Forest, it offers a unique glimpse into prehistoric burial practices.
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October 23, 2021
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4.3
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15
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14.6km
03:46
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
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4.58km
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 60 m
Weather
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Thursday 12 March
11°C
4°C
95 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
While the tomb itself can be explored in a relatively short time, many visitors enjoy combining their visit with a walk or hike through the surrounding Lingen State Forest. Allow 30 minutes to an hour for a focused visit to the megalithic tomb, or 1-3 hours if you plan to explore the nearby trails.
The Großsteingrab Mundersum is nestled within the Mundersumer Sand, a unique dune area within the Lingen State Forest. While there aren't elevated viewpoints offering panoramic vistas, the beauty lies in the quiet, forested setting and the impressive scale of the ancient granite boulders themselves. The information board at the site provides context, enhancing the experience of this historical landmark.
Dogs are generally welcome in the Lingen State Forest, including the area around Großsteingrab Mundersum. However, it is important to keep dogs on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Please also remember to clean up after your pet.
The path leading to the tomb is generally accessible, but it is a natural forest path which may have uneven surfaces, roots, or soft sand, especially within the dune area. While it's suitable for leisurely walks, full wheelchair accessibility might be challenging. Sturdy strollers with good wheels would be more suitable than lightweight ones.
Yes, the Großsteingrab Mundersum is a popular point of interest for various walking and cycling routes within the Lingen State Forest. While specific named circular routes aren't detailed here, you can easily find and plan circular walks of varying lengths that incorporate the tomb as a highlight. These routes often utilize the well-maintained forest paths.
To reach the parking area, follow Estringer Straße towards Hüvede, then turn onto Rottumer Straße. Continue until you reach the edge of the forest. Visitors can park along the roadside or in designated spots at the forest's edge. From there, a clear path leads directly to the Großsteingrab Mundersum.
Großsteingrab Mundersum is located within the Lingen State Forest, so there are no immediate cafes or restaurants directly at the site. For dining options, you would need to travel a short distance to the nearby villages or into the city of Lingen (Ems), where you'll find a variety of establishments.
While the site is beautiful year-round, autumn and spring offer particularly good conditions for photography. In autumn, the changing colors of the forest provide a vibrant backdrop. In spring, the fresh greenery and blooming undergrowth create a serene atmosphere. Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the ancient stones' textures.
No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to visit Großsteingrab Mundersum. It is an open historical site located within a public forest, freely accessible to all visitors.
The visible drill holes on one of the capstones are a poignant reminder of the tomb's turbulent history. They indicate past attempts, likely around the 19th century, to blast and quarry the massive granite boulders for use in construction, such as for churches or road pavement. This practice was common for many megalithic tombs in the region, making the survival of Großsteingrab Mundersum, albeit with some damage, particularly notable.
While Großsteingrab Mundersum is the only preserved large stone grave in Lingen, the Emsland region is rich in megalithic culture. Approximately 3 km southwest, you can find the Großsteingräber bei Baccum, another significant Neolithic burial site. Exploring the wider region will reveal numerous other ancient monuments and historical towns.