Donnersberghaus
Museum of the Donnersbergverein in an old schoolhouse: the Celtic city on the Donnersberg on the second floor, geology, flora and fauna on the first floor.
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About the museum
The Donnersberghaus in Dannenfels was built as a schoolhouse in 1824/25 and served as an elementary school until 1966. To prevent the demolition planned by the municipality, the Donnersbergverein (Donnersberg association) bought the building in 1977, renovated it with its own labor, and developed it into a museum and information center for the region; the renovated house first opened in 1981. Today it is a listed building.
For years, the house showed changing exhibitions on nature, culture and settlement history of the Donnersberg in the style of a local history museum. With funding, donations and the association's own resources, the association later developed a new concept focusing on two exhibition rooms; the museum reopened on October 24, 2022.
The second floor is devoted to the settlement history of the region and above all to the Celtic city on the Donnersberg, one of the largest fortified settlements of the late La Tène period north of the Alps. Originals and replicas of coins, brooches, tools and jewelry, along with panels on the origin and culture of the Celts, complete the display. The first floor is devoted to the geology, plants and animals of the mountain, including an illuminated geological timeline and a tribute to the geologist Carl Wilhelm von Gümbel, who was born in Dannenfels.
Highlights
- Celtic city (oppidum) on the Donnersberg with replicas of Celtic finds
- Axle pin and ram's-head figurines in illuminated display cases
- Illuminated geological timeline, 3.50 m long
- Rocks and ores of the Donnersberg
- Display case on the geologist Carl Wilhelm von Gümbel
Permanent exhibitions
- Keltenstadt Donnersberg und Siedlungsgeschichte (Obergeschoss) – Originals and replicas of Celtic finds, panels on Celtic culture, a timeline and an overview of the castle ruins on the Donnersberg.
- Geologie, Flora und Fauna (Erdgeschoss) – Panels on the formation of the Donnersberg, on mining, animals and plants, and an illuminated geological timeline.
- Founded
- 1981
- Operated by
- Donnersbergverein e. V.
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Visitor parking in town according to the municipality of Dannenfels parking guidance system (including the sports field, Golddelle, Raiffeisenstraße, Bennhauser Straße and Neuer Friedhof).
Navigation address: Oberstraße 4, 67814 Dannenfels.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Small kitchenette with refreshments in the house; kiosk at the Ludwigsturm (usually Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00).
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours for groups are possible. Geological and historical excursions to the summit of the Donnersberg are offered by qualified guides by arrangement (keltenfreunde@donnersbergverein.de). The exhibition room on the first floor also serves as a lecture room for up to 50 guests. |
