Discover Dannewerk

Dannewerk is part of the UNESCO World Heritage property it shares with nearby Haithabu. The Danevirke, the historic Ox Road, the Tweebargen and prehistoric burial mounds along the Ox Road shape the municipality. Those interested in history will find a range of ways to explore it here: from the museum and archaeological park to traces in the landscape.

The Danevirke Museum and the Main Rampart

The Danevirke Museum is located in Dannewerk near the Main Rampart and important structures of the early medieval fortification. It explains the significance of the Danevirke during the German-Danish War of 1864 and its use during the Second World War. The museum thus explores historical contexts from different periods.

The archaeological park includes the Main Rampart, Thyraburg, the North Gate and the Waldemar Wall, as well as a reconstruction of Gun Emplacement 14. The Main Rampart near Thyraburg dates to 737 AD, placing it before the Viking Age. Thyraburg stands at a strategically important corner of the Danevirke, at the end of the Main Rampart beside the former Dannewerk Lake.

The museum offers a guided tour of the archaeological park. It runs from the North Gate along the Main Rampart and the Waldemar Wall to the reconstructed Gun Emplacement 14 and back again. If this tour suits your plans, it is best to confirm availability before booking.

The Ox Road and other perspectives on history

The historic Ox Road runs through Dannewerk. Prehistoric Bronze Age burial mounds lie along its route, including the two Tweebargen. The road thus links the history of a historic transport route with archaeological traces in the landscape and is well suited to exploring on foot. The Tweebargen provide a specific point of interest along this stretch, while the Ox Road offers a broader historical context.

The motte-and-bailey castle offers a different way to bring history to life: it presents the Middle Ages and regional history in a playful way for children and interested adults. It therefore complements the archaeological themes of the Danevirke with an approach expressly aimed at both younger and adult audiences.

Nature Trail and Landscape

A nature trail laid out in 2025 runs around the former Dannewerk Lake, bringing together landscape, archaeology and environmental education. Information boards along the trail cover local flora and fauna, old trees and wetland habitats. They also explain the lake’s role and development within the historic Danevirke defence system. Check the condition of the infrastructure before your trip; information along the trail may also be updated.

The landscape around the archaeological park also combines historical traces with rare natural habitats. You can therefore choose from several themes to focus on: the museum and park centre on fortifications, structures and their history; the nature trail also draws attention to the lake, habitats and environmental education. The Ox Road, meanwhile, links a historic route with burial mounds and outdoor exploration.

Getting there and walks in the area

Bus routes 8 and 670 run directly from Schleswig to the Danevirke Museum visitor centre. Check the latest timetable before travelling so you can plan your journey accordingly.

There is also a guided walk in the area that starts at the Danevirke Museum, follows the rampart past Thyraburg, passes through Busdorf and continues to the Haithabu Viking Museum. The tour connects several places and historical points of interest beyond the immediate museum visit. Before booking, check both the availability of the guided walk and the route conditions.

Discover more destinations: Jagel, Fahrdorf, Selk, Borgwedel, Geltorf, Busdorf

Return to the main travel overview: Haddeby.