Dinosaurier Museum Altmühltal

About the museum

The Dinosaurier Museum Altmühltal opened in late summer 2016 in a wooded area near Denkendorf, only a few kilometres from the A9 motorway. The initiator is Michael Völker, who runs the museum with Dinosaurier-Park Altmühltal GmbH; the palaeontologist Raimund Albersdörfer is one of the co-founders. With its plattenkalk (lithographic limestone) deposits, the region is considered one of the world's important fossil sites.

The centrepiece is an adventure trail about 1.5 kilometres long through the forest, on which over 70 life-size reconstructions of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals lead visitors through 400 million years of Earth's history. In the air-conditioned museum hall, original fossils and skeletons are on display, including an Archaeopteryx, the young Allosaurus “Little Al”, finds from Painten such as the large marine crocodile Dakosaurus and a newly described ray species, as well as the life-size reconstruction of the giant pterosaur “Dracula”.

In 2022, the museum passed the mark of one million visitors. In 2026, the original skeleton of a long-necked sauropod about 25 metres long was added as a loan from the University of Zurich. A hands-on hall with fossil hunting and preparation, playgrounds and catering round off the offering.

Highlights

• Over 70 life-size dinosaurs on a 1.5 km forest trail
• Original Archaeopteryx fossil
• Life-size giant pterosaur “Dracula”
• Plattenkalk finds from Painten, including Dakosaurus
• Hands-on hall with fossil hunting and preparation

Permanent exhibitions

• Wald-Erlebnispfad – A circular trail about 1.5 km long leads through the geological ages with over 70 life-size prehistoric animals; many models can be touched.
• Museumshalle mit Originalfossilien – Skeletons and fossils such as Archaeopteryx, the Allosaurus “Little Al”, finds from Painten and the giant pterosaur “Dracula” in an air-conditioned hall.

Founded

2016

Operated by

Dinosaurier-Park Altmühltal GmbH

Admission & discounts

Tickets only at the entrance ticket desk (cash, EC or credit card). Birthday children of any age free. Hands-on activities cost extra.

Accessibility

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

The entire site is designed to be barrier-free except for access to one exhibit; catering and shop are accessible without barriers. Since 2022, tours in sign language by deaf guides for groups of up to 20 people on request.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 2+

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

According to the museum, suitable even for children from about 2 years old. Dinosaurs to touch, hands-on hall with fossil hunting and preparation, two adventure playgrounds within sight of the catering. Free hand carts against a €30 deposit. Children's birthday packages from €149 for up to ten children. Children aged 8 to 14 may come alone with a signed liability waiver.

Getting there & parking

About 2 km from the A9 motorway; satnav address Dinopark 1, 85095 Denkendorf.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant by the lake, forest beer garden (outside food allowed), kiosk and museum shop; mostly organic offerings with vegetarian and vegan dishes. Dogs on a lead allowed.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Museum hall and restaurant can be booked for company parties, summer festivals, conferences and Christmas parties.

Plan your visit