Kreismuseum Bogenberg

About the museum

The Kreismuseum was established in 1909, when the Bogen district officer founded a local history museum to preserve art-historical and cultural evidence of the area; the foundation was a purchased collection of sacred sculptures. After stops at various locations in Bogen, the museum moved in 1962 into the former parish barn at the summit of the Bogenberg opposite the pilgrimage church, and rooms of the former elementary school were added later. A medieval well is preserved in the building.

For the 100th anniversary, the permanent exhibition was completely redesigned by 2009. One focus is the Bavarian lozenges: they originate from the Counts of Bogen, passed to the Wittelsbachs and became the identifying symbol of Bavaria. The second focus is the Bogenberg as one of the oldest Marian pilgrimage sites in Bavaria – with the rare miraculous image of a pregnant Madonna and the Holzkirchen Whitsun pilgrimage with the "long pole", recognized as intangible cultural heritage since 2022.

The museum sees itself as the key to the mountain summit: what can be seen outside is explained inside. In 2018 new hands-on stations were added, and an audio guide also accompanies visitors across the summit. The operator is the Straubing-Bogen district; regular special exhibitions shed light on the history of the district.

Highlights

• Origin of the Bavarian lozenges with the Counts of Bogen
• Miraculous image of a pregnant Madonna and pilgrimage history
• Holzkirchen pilgrimage with the "long pole" – a votive offering to lift
• Medieval well in the museum building
• Audio guide for the museum and the Bogenberg summit (German and English)

Permanent exhibitions

• Ritter, Rauten und Co. – The exhibition section on the first floor traces the Bavarian lozenges from the Counts of Bogen through the Wittelsbachs to today's state coat of arms.
• Wallfahrt Bogenberg – The miraculous image, votive offerings and the Holzkirchen pilgrimage with the "long pole" tell of the history of the Bogenberg as a pilgrimage destination.

Founded

1909

Operated by

Landkreis Straubing-Bogen

Director

Barbara Michal

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

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

Accessible entrance and seating; tactile, listening and smelling stations. Animals other than assistance dogs are not allowed in the exhibition rooms.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Hands-on stations with games, puzzle sheets and knight's gear to try on; the 50 kg votive offering of the Holzkirchen pilgrims can be lifted. Holiday activities such as night owl tour, writing workshop and geocache summit tour for groups. Children's birthday parties (admission plus €85), you may bring your own food.

Getting there & parking

Numerous hiking trails lead up the Bogenberg.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

Coat racks for outerwear; bulky luggage can be left at the ticket desk. Museum guides and catalogs available at the ticket desk.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit