Archaeology Now. New finds excavated in Canton of Bern

At the heart of Lake Inkwil, on the border between the cantons of Bern and Solothurn, lies an archaeological site of outstanding significance. On the island and beneath the water are the remains of prehistoric settlements dating to the Neolithic and the Late Bronze Age. More than 6,000 years ago, wooden structures formed entire villages here. Since 2011, the site has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage “Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps” due to its exceptional state of preservation and is therefore under special protection. Recently, this protection has been put to the test: a family of beavers settled on the island and began digging tunnels through the archaeological remains. Thanks to a protection concept developed by the Archaeological Service of Canton Bern, the Cantonal Archaeology of Solothurn, and several nature conservation organisations, the site has been secured and a balance between nature and cultural heritage has been achieved.

In the reconstructed excavation tent of the exhibition “Archaeology Now. New finds excavated in the Canton of Bern”, visitors are immersed in the world of pile dwellings. Selected original artefacts such as tools, ceramics, and ornaments bring to life the everyday activities and craftsmanship of past communities. One of the stations in the excavation tent, developed in collaboration with the Natural History Museum Bern, focuses on the beaver and its way of life. The exhibition is complemented by fascinating film footage of the protection measures and underwater work, as well as digital content that vividly presents the site and its research.

The exhibition offers insights into current archaeological research, the unexpected role of the beaver, and the challenges of preserving a unique cultural heritage