Nussbaumersee, Lake and archaeological site in Hüttwilen, Switzerland
Nussbaumersee is a lake and archaeological site in Hüttwilen that lies between two larger bodies of water and preserves remains of ancient wooden structures beneath the surface. The lake's structure of shallow and deeper zones has protected these prehistoric remnants for thousands of years.
Nussbaumersee formed after the ice ages as part of the region's natural landscape development and hosted human settlements for several thousand years. People built their homes on wooden platforms above the water during these occupation phases spanning from early farming cultures to the Iron Age.
The settlement traces at Nussbaumersee reveal how communities adapted to life near Alpine lakes over thousands of years, relying on the water and surrounding resources. Visitors can see how people built their homes directly over the water, a practical solution to the landscape they faced.
Access to the lake comes by foot through walking trails near Hüttwilen that connect to the surrounding landscape and offer various spots for nature observation. The best time to visit is on dry days when the trails are easy to walk on.
Beneath the water lie house remains so well preserved that researchers have found everyday items like tools and seeds inside them. These organic materials offer rare insight into the daily lives of the earliest inhabitants.
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