It is one of two hunebedden located in the village of Rolde, with D17 situated just a few hundred meters away.
The stones were originally transported to this site by glaciers during the Saale glaciation period.
Archaeologists discovered traces of pottery and flint tools inside the chamber during excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The structure is oriented along a specific east-west axis, a common feature in many regional megalithic tombs.
These graves were covered by a massive mound of earth and sand, which has long since eroded away to reveal the bare stones.
Dolmen D18 is a Neolithic passage grave located in the village of Rolde, Drenthe, known as the 'Hunebed' of Rolde. It is one of the most prominent megalithic monuments in the Netherlands, constructed by the Funnelbeaker culture between 3400 and 3100 BC. The structure consists of 24 massive stones, including 13 standing orthostats and 11 capstones. It remains one of the few hunebedden that retains its original appearance with almost all stones accounted for. The site is situated on a village green, integrated into the local landscape rather than sequestered in a museum setting. It was significantly restored in the early 20th century to stabilize the stones that had shifted over millennia.
From the south side of the site to capture the full length of the chamber and the alignment of the capstones.
Combine your visit with D17, which is a short walk away on the same village green.
Wear waterproof footwear, as the grass surrounding the site can be muddy depending on the season.
Read the informational signage on-site to understand the specific excavation history of this tomb.
Do not expect a visitor center or indoor exhibition directly at the site; it is an open-air monument.
Do not climb or sit on the ancient stones, as this accelerates weathering and damage.
