Bajuwarenhof Kirchheim
Reconstructed early medieval Bavarii farmstead in Kirchheim near Munich – open-air museum for experimental archaeology.
About the museum
In 2003 a group of Munich archaeologists launched a project to rebuild a Bavarii (early Bavarian) farmstead as an exercise in living archaeology. The municipality of Kirchheim provided a plot of land on the edge of Heimstetten, and funds connected with the 2005 Federal Garden Show (Bundesgartenschau) in München-Riem helped get things started. A friends' association was founded right at the outset and still handles construction, upkeep and the Sunday openings today.
On around 1,700 square meters, two large post-built houses of about 110 and 80 square meters were erected, along with several pit houses, including a weaving house. Construction used only tools and techniques documented or plausible for the 6th to 8th centuries: wattle-and-daub walls, reed roofs and timber joints without nails. The farmstead deliberately presents different roof, wall and floor solutions side by side to make the uncertainties of any reconstruction visible.
Gardens and a small experimental field complement the furnished houses with their hearths, furniture and everyday implements. The farmstead also serves as a site for long-term experiments and craft courses. The municipality of Kirchheim has operated the museum since 2018; in 2026 a joint theme year with the AschheiMuseum was devoted to textile crafts of the early Middle Ages.
Highlights
- Reconstructed farmstead of the 6th to 8th centuries
- Longhouse and secondary house with furnished living quarters
- Pit houses, including a weaving house
- Gardens and experimental field with early medieval plants
- Living history days and craft demonstrations
- Free admission on opening days
Permanent exhibitions
- Bajuwarisches Gehöft – Walk-in reconstructions of a longhouse, secondary house and pit houses with furnishings, gardens and a field show daily life on an early medieval farmstead.
- Founded
- 2003
- Operated by
- Gemeinde Kirchheim b. München (mit Förderverein Bajuwarenhof Kirchheim e.V.)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Adults | free |
|---|---|
| Groups | –Flat-rate guided tours per group: standard (45–60 min.) €45, extended tour (approx. 2 hrs.) €75, museum education program (approx. 3 hrs.) €105 plus material costs. |
| Standard group tour (45–60 min., flat rate) | €45 |
| Extended tour (approx. 2 hrs., flat rate) | €75 |
| Tour with museum education program (approx. 3 hrs., flat rate) | €105plus a contribution toward material costs |
Free admission during regular opening hours.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
On the extended tour and in the school program, objects from the museum education collection may be touched and tried out. Activity days with living-history farm life, craft demonstrations and a summer festival.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Heimstetten · 1 km
S2 to Heimstetten, then approx. 1 km on foot; alternatively bus 263 from Heimstetten station to Räterstraße.
By car
Parking available
Gravel parking lot below the farmstead, opposite the Heimstetten sports facility.
A 99, exit 15 Kirchheim b. München, then via Heimstettener Moosweg to Bajuwarenstraße. The farmstead is somewhat hidden behind the parking lot.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Food and drink served only at festivals; beer garden at the nearby Heimstettener See.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Regular tour approx. 45–60 min., extended tour approx. 2 hrs. Group tours for school classes and private groups year-round by registration; school programs on topics including food, clothing production, games and archaeological work (approx. 3 hrs.). On activity days: craft demonstrations, living-history farm life, a summer festival and workshops. |
