Karlsteine, Neolithic dolmen near Osnabrück, Germany
Karlsteine is a Neolithic stone burial chamber built with large support stones and flat capstones of Piesberg sandstone. The structure sits on a small hillside and shows the typical construction method of megalithic tombs from that era.
The tomb dates to the Funnel Beaker Culture period between 3500 and 2800 BCE and served as a burial site for Neolithic communities. It reflects the early burial traditions of the people who lived in this region at that time.
The name connects to an old legend about Charlemagne and his conflict with Saxon leader Widukind, a story told in the region for centuries. This tale shapes how people perceive and visit the site today.
The site sits on a small rise and can be reached via designated pathways with limited wheelchair accessibility. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the ground can be uneven in places.
The burial chamber has an unusual trapezoidal shape that narrows from east to west. This asymmetrical design sets it apart from many other megalithic tombs of the same period.
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