Ehrenstein neolithic site

The prehistoric village near Ehrenstein lies in the Blau valley west of Ulm, a rare riverside settlement among the Alpine lake-dwelling sites. Discovered in 1952 during earthworks, it was partly excavated by Oscar Paret and later by Hartwig Zürn. The UNESCO list now recognises it as part of the World Heritage alongside 110 other Alpine sites. Its significance comes from being the northernmost example and from surviving beneath the water table. Repeated fires preserved thick layers of mud and ash that show four short-lived building phases. Large perforated limestone discs found among the finds point to specialised craft activity. A modern park now brings the past to life. Visitors walk beside a reconstructed timber house built from alder and larch. Simple wooden structures form a hands-on village with seating, storage, a fire pit and herb garden. In Blaustein’s town hall a small exhibition displays original finds and models, curated with help from the Ulm Museum.