Recent archaeological excavations in Hüllhorst, Germany, have revealed a rare and remarkably well-preserved Iron Age village. The discovery was made on a site originally designated for the construction of a new fire station on Lohagenweg. Work was halted when the first traces of ancient settlements, dating back to approximately 500 BC, appeared in the soil.
Archaeologists from the Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe (LWL) have uncovered clear outlines of house floor plans, storage pits, and workshops. The level of preservation for these structural remains is considered exceptional for this specific region of East Westphalia, where similar findings have only been documented in Werther and Minden.
Life by the Eternal Water Source
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Hüllhorst settlement is its strategic location right next to the Wöhrsiek, a natural spring. This water source is actually still in use today, demonstrating an incredible continuity of the landscape over 2,500 years. Access to clean water was vital for the village's survival and for maintaining agriculture and livestock.
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- The Evolution of Pottery in Iron Age Europe
Close-up of typical Iron Age pottery shards found at the site. (LWL Press)
Preserving History for the Future
Although the plot was intended for a modern fire station, the community of Hüllhorst prioritized the archaeological documentation before construction began. The orientation of the main house found on site suggests deliberate planning, as it was aligned to reduce exposure to the prevailing winds.
Unique Artifacts and Daily Life
The excavations in Hüllhorst demonstrate that modern infrastructure is often built directly on top of forgotten history. Every post-hole and artifact has been meticulously mapped to ensure that the secrets of this Germanic settlement are preserved before the fire station is built. The finds will now undergo further analysis and radiocarbon dating.
Top image: Aerial view of the excavation area for the new fire station in Hüllhorst. Source: LWL-AfW / A. Koch
References
Heritage Daily. 2026. Traces of Iron Age settlement discovered in Minden-Lübbecke district. Available at: https://www.heritagedaily.com/2026/03/traces-of-iron-age-settlement-discovered-in-minden-lubbecke-district/157175
LWL-Archäologie. 2026. Archäologie in Hüllhorst - Glücksfall für die Forschung. Available at: https://www.lwl.org/pressemitteilungen/mitteilung.php?urlID=63259
