Olsborg, Sacred grove on an island in Plön, Germany
Olsborg is a sacred grove on a teardrop-shaped islet in Großer Plöner See measuring around 280 meters long and 120 meters wide. The uninhabited island rises roughly 22 meters above the lake surface and contains the buried remains of a Slavic settlement beneath its ground.
The island served as a settlement for the Wagri tribe during the 10th century and later became a sacred site for Slavic peoples. From 1222 to 1882 it lay submerged under water, which helped preserve the archaeological remains in its layers.
The site held sacred meaning for Slavic peoples and its name connects to the early settlement of Plune recorded in medieval chronicles. Visitors can sense the spiritual importance this place held for the ancient inhabitants.
The island can only be reached by excursion boats or private watercraft, as it remains uninhabited and not directly accessible by foot. Plan ahead for a boat ride and note that lake conditions vary by season.
Buried beneath the soil are pottery fragments and bridge structures from the 10th century, preserved by the long submersion underwater. These archaeological layers reveal how the Wagri built and lived a thousand years ago.
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