"Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" certified in 2013

Megaliths – literally "big stones" – were widely used by prehistoric communities to build monuments, burial places, and sanctuaries. Megalithic tombs, dolmens and other monuments represent the oldest surviving indigenous architecture of Europe. Understanding this heritage is essential to tracing our very origins.

Heritage

Megalithic monuments are among the most widespread remains of man in time and space. Some of these monuments have been interpreted as observatories, through which it is possible to chart the movement of celestial objects, as they are all oriented towards the movement of the sun. Some, such as Stonehenge, have been perceived as tools for the prediction of solar and lunar eclipses. 

Travelling today

Europe has a vast megalithic heritage, which can be explored through many different routes covering Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Great Britain, Italy and France. In order to discover this heritage, tourists can participate in several hiking and cycling activities that promote a strong connection with the land.  The traveller can thus explore not only the megalithic monuments but also the manifold features of the surrounding landscape.