The centerpiece of the bog exhibits (and built so as to encase the three bog bodies), this peat monolith is breathtaking. Perhaps 40 feet long and 16 feet high (a rough estimate), the cross section has been placed squarely in the center of the main bog display. 

The exhibit gives a visitor a great deal to think about: Consider how this bog section was cut and hauled to the museum. Consider how it was preserved so it doesn't crumble to dust. Consider how old this cross section is. And consider the bodies that have been found in the bogs of northern Europe.

Displayed near the bottom of the bog, two on one side and one on the other, are three bog bodies. This gives a vivid portrait of bog bodies in as natural a setting as any museum provides. If the displays are somewhat inaccurate (at least one of the bodies shown was found face down--he is now displayed face up), a visitor can forgive the curators. This is a memorable exhibit, creatively done, well-lit, and well worth a major detour. In fact, it is one of the most interesting mummy museums in the world.

Neu England Man was found in 1941 in the Lengener Moor near Ammerland. Scientific study has revealed that he was between 40 and 50 years old when he died. Carbon-14 dating also indicates that he lived during the Roman period. His state of preservation has deteriorated over the years. I have not been about to find any written sources that comment on the cause of his death, though his face seems to indicate that he was a victim of considerable violence.

Husbäke Man (discovered in 1936) was found lying face down in a bog near Ammerland. Scientists believe that he was about 20 years old when he died and that he was alive during the Roman period. A look inside his intestines revealed that he had eaten fish shortly before his death.  His hair was most likely not red when he died, but light brown or blond; chemicals in the bog would have colored his hair naturally over the centuries.

Bockhornerfeld Man (discovered in 1934) was found lying on his right side, well pinned down. In fact, two long branches had been placed parallel on top of the body and secured into the peat in order to keep him at the bottom of the bog. An animal-skin cape and a piece of woolen fabric covered the body when it was discovered.

The museum is a treasure trove of shoes discovered in the bog; no fewer than six are on display.

Also interesting is a leather cape that was found along with a body (not displayed) in 1922 in Kayhausen Moor (south of Bad Zwischenahn, a nearby resort town).

Finally, a long piece of hair was found in 1886 in a bog called Molberger Dose by peatcutters. Hair was often used as an offering to the gods.