When it comes to prehistoric solar observatories , most people immediately think of Stonehenge. But would you have guessed that the world’s oldest solar observatory is located right in the middle of Saxony-Anhalt ? In the small town of Goseck lies a circular ditch complex dating back some 7,000 years—more than 2,000 years older than the Pyramids of Giza and built about 2,000 years before Stonehenge. The surprising thing is that the “Goseck Circle” wasn’t discovered un ly in 1991.
Although Stonehenge is not one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the astronomical site in southern England attracts millions of people from all over the world year after year. No wonder! The monumental stone structures are impressive.
But the comparatively more modest wooden structure in the Saale-Unstrut region of Saxony-Anhalt is at least as fascinating and definitely worth a visit.
Older than Stonehenge, but hidden until 1991
In 1991, aerial archaeologist Otto Braasch spotted the “Goseck Circle”—measuring about 75 meters in diameter—from the air in the middle of a cornfield. Following initial surveys in 1995, excavations began a few years later. During the excavations, archaeologists uncovered an earthen rampart, a ditch, two wooden palisades, and three gates. Using the preserved post holes, archaeologists reconstructed the site true to the original and opened it to the public in 2005 on the winter solstice.
While Goseck lay hidden for millennia and first had to be reconstructed, Stonehenge was never hidden from view. The world-famous megalithic structure in the southern English county of Wiltshire has fascinated humanity for millennia and has been a tourist destination for travelers from all over the world since the 19th century. However, its exact astronomical function could only be proven beyond a doubt through modern research. Prior to that, numerous legends surrounded the structure.
In contrast to Stonehenge, the astronomical function became clear very quickly following the excavations at Goseck.
How was Goseck identified as the world’s oldest solar observatory?
Researchers attribute Goseck’s current status as the world’s oldest solar observatory to two key findings. Using radiocarbon dating of animal bones found in the circular ditch, archaeologists determined the site’s age to be around 4900 B.C.— that is, approximately 7,000 years ago. Astronomers then used computers to reconstruct the sun’s path at that time. Their analysis revealed that the two southern gates were aligned precisely with sunrise and sunset on the winter solstice. The people of the Neolithic era thus used the site specifically to observe the sky.
When can you visit the German “Stonehenge” made of wood?
You can visit the ring ditch complex around the clock, all year round —after all, it’s freely accessible and not fenced off. If you’d like to delve deeper into its history, a guided tour or a visit to the information center at Goseck Castle is well worth it. Public guided tours are offered in the afternoons from April through October. If you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet, a visit at sunrise or sunset is ideal. Special dates such as the summer or winter solstice are also real highlights, when the site demonstrates its astronomical significance in a particularly impressive way.
Here’s how you can easily get from Berlin to Goseck
The observatory is well signposted. By car , take the A9 from Berlin to the Weißenfels exit, then follow the B87 to Goseck. You can park for free at the hiking trail parking lot. From there, it’s only about a ten-minute walk. Getting there by public transportation is also straightforward. Take the train to Halle or Weißenfels, then the bus to Goseck. From the bus stop, it’s just a short walk to the site.
