In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, scientists in Denmark have unearthed a prehistoric timber circle near Aars, North Jutland, bearing striking similarities to England’s Stonehenge. The discovery provides compelling evidence of cultural and ritualistic connections between prehistoric societies in Denmark and the British Isles.
The structure, often referred to as a “woodhenge,” was uncovered in January 2025 during an excavation. The monument consists of at least 45 wooden posts arranged in a 30-meter-wide circle. Radiocarbon dating places its construction between 2600 and 1600 BC, aligning with the late Neolithic to early Bronze Age—the same period in which Stonehenge was built.
A Significant Archaeological Discovery
Sidsel Wåhlin, a curator at Vesthimmerlands Museum, played a crucial role in identifying the site. Working alongside excavation leader Andreas Bo Nielsen, she observed a series of postholes forming a circular pattern. Reflecting on the discovery, Wåhlin remarked, “It is an extraordinary find.” Initially, the structure appeared linear, but as excavation continued, its circular formation became evident, confirming the presence of an ancient timber monument.
This is the second known timber circle found in the region, suggesting that such structures may have been more widespread in prehistoric Denmark than previously thought. The design closely resembles England’s Woodhenge and Stonehenge, hinting at shared cultural traditions or architectural influences. As Wåhlin explained, “It tells us that people in these distant regions shared similar worldviews—how they farmed, how their societies were structured, and how they interacted with the world around them.”
New Insights into Prehistoric Cultural Exchange
The presence of similar monuments in Denmark and Britain raises intriguing questions about prehistoric cultural connections across Europe. Despite being separated by the North Sea, ancient societies in both regions may have engaged in shared rituals, agricultural practices, and belief systems. Constructing such monuments would have required careful planning, large-scale labor efforts, and advanced organizational skills, emphasizing their spiritual and social significance.
Archaeologists believe the wooden posts used in the Danish structure were likely made of oak, a durable material commonly used in prehistoric construction. Researchers are now conducting genetic analysis on the wood samples to determine their precise age and explore possible links between Danish and British populations. These studies could provide further insight into migration patterns and cultural exchanges during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.
A Rare and Valuable Find
Unlike stone monuments like Stonehenge, timber circles are far rarer and less well-preserved due to the organic nature of wood. This makes the Danish woodhenge an exceptionally significant discovery. The surviving posthole patterns offer a unique glimpse into the social structures and ceremonial practices of the time.
The find challenges previous assumptions about prehistoric isolation, reinforcing the idea that ancient communities were more interconnected than once believed. Trade, communication, and shared traditions may have facilitated the exchange of architectural techniques, religious customs, and technological innovations across Europe.
Future Research and Exploration
Further excavations and analysis are planned to uncover more details about the construction techniques and ritual significance of the site. Researchers aim to determine how this structure compares to other prehistoric monuments and what it reveals about the daily lives and spiritual beliefs of its builders.
The discovery of Denmark’s prehistoric timber ring not only highlights the ingenuity of ancient civilizations but also reinforces the idea that cultural connections spanned vast distances far earlier than previously thought. This finding serves as a powerful reminder that the human quest to understand the world—and our place within it—has transcended both borders and millennia.