Glauberg Archaeological Site

Website: https://kultur.glauberg.de/ (Keltenwelt Glauberg)

Admission: Museum adult €6-8 (approx.), site access often included; reduced and family rates available

Glauberg is an archaeological hillfort site in Hesse, Germany, notable for its Iron Age - La Tène period remains and for a richly furnished princely burial discovered there. The site has produced important finds that have reshaped understanding of Celtic settlement in central Europe.

Excavations uncovered fortifications, burial mounds and sculptural fragments including a sandstone statue associated with elite burial practices. The combination of settlement remains and high-status grave goods has made Glauberg an important reference point for studies of early Celtic Europe.

Archaeological work intensified in the late 20th century and has continued into the 21st century, producing publications and an on-site presentation of finds. Interpretation focuses on the site’s role in regional power structures during the Iron Age and on the material culture recovered from burials and settlement layers.

Glauberg is located in the Wetterau region of Hesse, within easy reach of regional centres north of Frankfurt, and is presented to the public via an archaeological park and associated displays.

• Celtic princely burial: important Iron Age Celtic site noted for a richly furnished princely burial and for a sandstone statue discovered during excavations in the late 1990s.

What to See#

• Burial mound (Prince’s tomb): a large burial mound where excavations in the late 20th century revealed rich grave goods and a sandstone statue interpreted as a ‘princely’ cult or funerary object, making the mound central to the site’s interpretation.
• Archaeological park and visitor displays: an archaeological park that presents the hillfort remains, ramparts and settlement layout together with interpretive displays explaining the Celtic-period occupation and finds.

Glauberg is near the town of Glauburg in Hesse, about 40-50 km northeast of Frankfurt. From Glauburg-Nord station a short taxi or local bus ride reaches the site; by car take B275/landes roads to the hill-parking is limited and often seasonal. The Keltenwelt museum is signposted from the local roads and is the best practical reference point for visitors.

• Visit the open-air plateau first to take in the statue and earthworks, then go into the Keltenwelt museum for context.
• Bring binoculars-some earthworks and ditches are best read from the crest of the hill where signs don't do them justice.
• Avoid mid-August when local festivals push up visitor numbers and parking is tight.