Archäologisches Zentrum Hitzacker

About the museum

The site on the banks of the Jeetzel, just before it flows into the Elbe, came to light by chance during earthworks in 1969: potsherds and dark soil discolorations revealed an ancient settlement. Over the following decades, archaeologists uncovered the floor plans of houses more than 3,000 years old. Settlement began toward the end of the Neolithic, peaked in the Bronze Age, and ended in the Iron Age; from around the 9th century, Slavs settled here once more.

In 1987, about 16 hectares south of the town were placed under excavation protection to preserve the site from development. In 1990, the open-air museum was launched on the grounds. On top of the original archaeological features, three walk-in, life-size models of Bronze Age longhouses were built, along with a house of the dead, a pit house, a cultivation area, an herb garden, and a nature trail; the grounds are planted with trees and shrubs that already existed in the Bronze Age.

Since 2006, the town of Hitzacker (Elbe) has operated the museum, supported by a friends' association. The museum sees itself as a place of experimental archaeology: at various stations, visitors can try bronze casting, flint knapping, pottery, spinning, weaving, or bread baking, and research on the relationship between humans and the environment is carried out together with universities. In Longhouse I, an exhibition displays original finds from the excavations; a new permanent exhibition on the Bronze Age is in preparation.

Highlights

• Three walk-in reconstructions of Bronze Age longhouses
• House of the dead and pit house on the outdoor grounds
• Original excavation finds in Longhouse I
• Hands-on stations for bronze casting, pottery, baking, and weaving
• Dugout canoe rides
• Family audio tour “Komm mit Moruk und Kari in die Bronzezeit” (Come Along with Moruk and Kari to the Bronze Age)

Permanent exhibitions

• Bronzezeitliches Freigelände – Three walk-in longhouse reconstructions, a house of the dead, and a pit house on the original archaeological features, plus fields, an herb garden, and a nature trail, as well as stations on crafts and technology.
• Ausstellung im Langhaus I – Original finds from the excavations at Hitzackersee offer insight into the lives of the Bronze Age settlers; a newly designed permanent exhibition on the Bronze Age is being planned.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Stadt Hitzacker (Elbe)

Admission & discounts

Card payment is not yet possible at the open-air museum. A handcart and an explorer backpack can each be rented for €3.50 per day. The café garden and museum shop are accessible without an admission ticket.

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

For people with disabilities, there are inclusive group programs with mobile activity tables (registration required). The website gives no specific information on the accessibility of the grounds and buildings.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Explorer backpack, a search game for the youngest and the "Moruk & Kari" rally; hands-on programs (baking, clay building, amulet) and children's birthdays. Two hand carts to borrow; baby changing table in the entrance building.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café garden with drinks, ice cream and snacks as well as a museum shop (both without admission). Six lockable bicycle boxes, covered bicycle garage, free charging of e-bikes and luggage storage at the reception desk; washing machine and dryer for a fee.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 100 guests.

Longhouses with electricity, water, and presentation equipment for celebrations, anniversaries, company parties, and conferences with up to 100 guests; officially recognized wedding venue of the Samtgemeinde Elbtalaue. Longhouse rental from €62 per hour; catering and supporting program on request. Group programs also available with an overnight stay in a longhouse.

Plan your visit