Opfermoor Vogtei

About the museum

While cutting peat in the Ried marsh between Oberdorla and Niederdorla, workers repeatedly came across bones and potsherds from 1947 onward. When a bison skull, a wooden bowl and the remains of a wooden idol were unearthed in 1957, the Weimar Museum für Ur- und Frühgeschichte (Museum of Prehistory and Early History) was called in. Under the direction of Günter Behm-Blancke, archaeologists uncovered an extensive sacrificial site by 1964. After peat extraction ended, the pit filled with groundwater, creating today's lake – which, however, is not identical to the former cult lake.

Archaeologists identified 86 sanctuaries from various periods. The cult site was established in the 6th century BC during the Hallstatt period and remained in use for around a thousand years; isolated offerings even date to the High Middle Ages. The finds include fire and turf altars, fenced circular sanctuaries, pole and post idols, and large quantities of animal bones. The site is considered one of the best-preserved find complexes of its kind in Central Europe.

Since 1991, selected cult sites and houses of a Germanic settlement from the 3rd century AD have been reconstructed on the grounds based on the excavation findings. A small museum on the northern edge of Niederdorla displays original finds, models and the history of the excavation; further finds are held by museums in Mühlhausen and Weimar. The site is run by the municipality of Vogtei, supported by the Förderkreis Opfermoor (friends' association), which brings the open-air grounds to life with a Germanic festival, solstice celebrations and hands-on courses.

Highlights

• Reconstructed sacrificial sites and sanctuaries around the bog lake
• Replica Germanic settlement from the 3rd century AD
• Original finds such as cult objects, animal bones and skulls in the museum
• Located right at the geographic center of Germany
• Germanic festival and seasonal celebrations on the open-air grounds

Permanent exhibitions

• Freigelände mit Heiligtümern und germanischer Siedlung – A walking route to replica sacrificial sites from various periods by the lake and to reconstructed houses and outbuildings of a 3rd-century Germanic settlement.
• Museum Opfermoor Vogtei – A small exhibition with original finds from the cult site and settlement, models of the sanctuaries and the history of the excavations from 1957 to 1964.

Operated by

Gemeinde Vogtei (unterstützt vom Förderkreis Opfermoor)

Admission & discounts

The museum and the open-air grounds have separate admission prices: museum adults €1.50, children €1; open-air grounds adults €3.50, children €2. The lower museum price is listed as the standard price.

Accessibility

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

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Family events such as the Germanenfest (Germanic festival) with a children's tent or a night hike with flashlights (registration required).

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with specialist literature, children's books, replicas, mead and honey. Activity grounds for picnicking. Dogs are allowed on leash in the outdoor area.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit