Archaeological excavations in Flensburg's Westerallee area have revealed significant evidence of settlement activity from the late Bronze Age, approximately 1200 to 800 BCE. The discoveries were made during preparations for a local business park expansion and are offering valuable insights into the region's historical past. The State Office for Archaeology Schleswig-Holstein is overseeing the ongoing work, which began in June 2025 and is scheduled to conclude in October 2025.
Among the findings are several hearth pits, which served as rudimentary cooking facilities. These pits involved digging a hole in the ground where heated stones were placed, and water or damp materials were added to cook food without pottery or a traditional hearth. Evidence of these ancient culinary sites includes stones stained with soot and fractured from intense heat, as well as discolored soil. These findings align with broader research on Bronze Age practices in Northern Germany and Scandinavia, where similar cooking stone pits (CSPs) have been studied for their role in community sustenance. Some recent dating suggests that circular formations of these pits represent some of the earliest known examples of this technique, with sites like Mang de Bargen providing further context.
The excavations have also uncovered soil discolorations indicating the outlines of seven to nine house structures. While these appear to date from the Middle Ages, likely between the 10th and 14th centuries, the primary focus remains on understanding the earlier Bronze Age settlement. These discoveries are comparable to findings from other German sites, such as Seddin, where extensive Bronze Age communities of farmers and traders have been uncovered, revealing complex social and economic structures.
Adding to the historical context is the proximity of the ancient Ochsenweg, or Ox Road. This historic route was a vital artery for trade and movement across Northern Europe for millennia, with evidence suggesting its use for transporting raw materials as early as the Bronze Age. Flensburg's strategic location near this significant trade path played a crucial role in its early development as a settlement and commercial center. Collectively, these discoveries offer a compelling glimpse into the lives of people who inhabited the Flensburg region thousands of years ago, highlighting their ingenuity in utilizing their environment for essential needs.