Keltendorf Schwarzenbach – Archäologisches Freilichtmuseum

About the museum

People already lived on the Burgberg of Schwarzenbach on the eastern edge of the Bucklige Welt in the Neolithic period; the plateau was especially densely settled in the Bronze Age. In the 2nd century BC the Celts built a town-like settlement here, an oppidum with an interior area of about 15 hectares, surrounded by a mighty rampart wall – one of the largest Celtic fortifications in Austria.

Since 1992 the University of Vienna has been researching the site with excavations and geophysical prospection, which show that almost the entire interior was built up. In 1994 a section of the fortification including the wall walk was reconstructed, and an observation tower was added in the late 1990s.

Commissioned by the municipality, archaeologists rebuilt buildings of the Celtic town in coordination with the Federal Monuments Office, using the methods of experimental archaeology; the open-air museum was officially opened in 2005. In 2018/2019 the House of Archaeological Finds, with original finds from the Copper Age to the Celtic period, and the House of the New Celts (Haus der Neuen Kelten) for education and events were added to the nobleman's house, craftsman's house, storehouse, residential and stable buildings, and kiln and baking oven. The site is now operated by Keltendorf Schwarzenbach GmbH.

Highlights

• Reconstructed Celtic buildings from the nobleman's house to the pottery kiln
• Partially reconstructed rampart of one of Austria's largest Celtic oppida
• House of Archaeological Finds with original finds and a virtual presentation
• 26-meter-high, accessible Johann Giefing observation tower
• Animals on the Keltenberg such as alpacas, goats, emus and peacocks

Permanent exhibitions

• Rekonstruierte Keltensiedlung – Reconstructions of residential, craft and farm buildings as well as ovens show how people lived and worked in the Celtic town in the 2nd and 1st centuries BC.
• Haus der archäologischen Funde – Display room with original finds from the Copper Age, Bronze Age and Celtic period; research results are conveyed with virtual and augmented reality.

Founded

2005

Operated by

Keltendorf Schwarzenbach GmbH

Admission & discounts

Admission €4 per person at the ticket machine (coins or Bankomat card). With the NÖ-Card one free admission (not for tours). For fixed-date tours 25% discount with the Burgenland-Card; children up to 14 free with the Burgenland-Family-Card or NÖ-Familienland*Pass. Observation tower by voluntary donation.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The observation tower next to the open-air museum is accessible. The paths on the Keltenberg are suitable for strollers.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's birthday parties from April to October (Thursday/Friday) with Celtic face painting, jewelry crafting, bread baking, animal feeding and a treasure hunt; programs for schools and kindergartens with archery, rampart assault and alpaca walks. Animals on the Keltenberg, stroller-friendly paths.

Getting there & parking

GPS address: Keltenwall 1, 2803 Schwarzenbach.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Tower café on the Keltenberg with seasonal opening hours (2026 season ended). Restrooms available. Dogs on a leash allowed.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 65 guests.

Seminar and event rooms year-round for up to 65 people (half day €150, full day €300); the tower café can be booked as an event venue, the House of the New Celts for celebrations and group events.

Plan your visit