Archaeology Trail Site

To explore the Archaeology Trail through Stelle and Ashausen, it is best to start at Bardenweg near the famous umbrella pine. There is an area with many tumuli, which you can also easily recognize in the landscape. Information boards provide insight into the construction of burial mounds. The location is also suitable for a picnic, as there are benches inviting you to linger and relax.

Tumuli are distinctive archaeological monuments in the northern German landscape. There are several thousand in the Lower Elbe region, most of which are hidden on private property or in the forest. Originally, these ancient burial sites were widely visible in the landscape. The enormous effort put in by the bereaved to build the mounds was not only to honor the deceased but also to assert the community's claim to the surrounding land.

The former noble estate of Fachenfelde was located in a narrow depression between the Geest and a flat sand hill in the Maschen Moor. Just a few kilometers southwest, the old highway from Harburg to Lüneburg could be reached on the Geest. Another important route along the Geest edge ran directly south of the estate through the Stemmbruch and Pennekuhle.

Pass through the old oak avenue - after about 150 m, turn right towards the industrial estate. On the right side, nestled in a small grove, you will find a small cottage, which is considered the last remaining part of the estate of Fachenfelde.

Continue through the industrial estate, along Reiherhorst Street towards the east, until you reach Uhlenhorst Street. Cycle north on this street for about 1 kilometer until you reach the intersection with Höpmannsweg Street on the right. Here, the new residential area of Grasweg - West begins, which in 2020 presented an archaeological surprise discovery. You will find the corresponding information board in the area. Exit the area via Reiherstieg and head towards the roundabout, then east along Harburger Straße until you reach the intersection with Deependahl Street. Continue on this street until the intersection with Niedersachsenstraße, which in turn leads you to the historic center of Stelle.

At the end of Niedersachsenstraße, turn right into Unter den Linden Street and at the next opportunity, turn left into Bei der Kirche Street, which is still characterized by some venerable old farmhouses, the Michaelis Church, and the town hall with the library.