CH-TG-03
Eschenz | Insel Werd
Short description
Werd Island, located in the outflow of lake Untersee into the Rhine holds a series of pile-dwelling settlements, which since the 19th century have been the subject of archaeological research regularly. Larger-scale investigations in the center of the island between 1931 and 1935 produced layers from the Pfyn, Horgen and Corded Ware Cultures. After an interruption of several centuries, caused by the flooding of the Werd Island, further settlements were built in the late Bronze Age.
Neolithic / Bronze Age
3900 - 2600 B.C. / 1000 - 850 B.C.
Lake of Constance - "Untersee"
397 m.a.s.l.
Size of the site 2,8 ha / approx. 4 soccer pitches
Size of the bufferzone 44,08 ha / approx. 62 soccer pitches
Special features & Highlights
The (pre)historical importance of the area around the Lake Constance outflow is evidenced by the numerous archaeological sites from the late Ice Age to the day before yesterday. In addition to the waterway, various Rhine crossings, including a bridge over Werd Island in Roman times, are of geographical importance for transport.
Current activities
The preservation of the site is monitored by the office Amt für Archäologie.
Pile dwellings up-close
Werd Island with its small monastery and the Otmarskapelle chapel nowadays is connected to the mainland by a bridge. In a show case in the refectory, some pile-dwelling finds can be inspected. On site you can find signs about the archaeological sites.Selected finds can be visited at the Cantonal Museum of Archaeology in Frauenfeld and the museum of Eschenz.
Museum für Archäologie Frauenfeld
Freie Strasse 24
8510 Frauenfeld
archaeologie@tg.ch
Opening hours:
Tue–Fri 2–5 pm
Sat & Sun 1–5 pm
Museum Eschenz
Unterdorfstrasse 14
8264 Eschenz
to the website
Opening hours
May to october, 4th sunday in a month