Megalithic tombs in Haldensleben Forest

The group of Neolithic graves in the forest south-west of Haldensleben is the largest concentration of megalithic tombs in central Europe. In an area of about 5 by 5 kilometres, there are more than 80 graves, some in good condition. The location of about 50 more graves are known; some have been destroyed, or consist of one stone or loosely scattered stones.^[1][2][3][4]

They date from the period 3500 to 3000 BC, and are in recognizable groups. They are mostly passage graves, built from granite boulders. The burial chambers are aligned east–west.^[1][3]

Three graves are of particular interest:^[4]

At the Küchentannen ("kitchen fir trees") at 52°16′17.90″N 11°20′35.44″E / 52.2716389°N 11.3431778°E / 52.2716389; 11.3431778 there is a reconstructed, enclosed passage grave.^[5]

The Kaisergrab ("king's grave") at 52°16′28.70″N 11°20′43.96″E / 52.2746389°N 11.3455444°E / 52.2746389; 11.3455444 has an almost completely preserved burial chamber and surrounding setting of stones.^[6]

The Teufelsküche ("devil's kitchen") at 52°16′30.70″N 11°23′01.80″E / 52.2751944°N 11.3838333°E / 52.2751944; 11.3838333 has a well-preserved passage grave with two capstones and eight supporting stones.^[7]