Römermuseum Osterburken

About the museum

The Römermuseum Osterburken opened on December 2, 1983. The occasion was excavations on the Kirnau, which uncovered a Roman bathhouse and a votive precinct with numerous altars of beneficiarii, that is, soldiers seconded to administrative service. The complex was roofed over and remains the core of the museum to this day. The museum was initially run by the Historischer Verein Bauland; since 2003 it has been a branch museum of the Archäologisches Landesmuseum Baden-Württemberg, and the association continues to take care of its operation.

In 2006, the museum received an extension, which was recognized by the Architektenkammer Baden-Württemberg (Baden-Württemberg Chamber of Architects). The permanent exhibition is divided into the sections Religion, Romans on the Limes, and Archaeological Methods, as well as the covered bath with the votive precinct. Among the best-known pieces are a large Mithras altar from Osterburken and a statue group from Schneidershecke; well-preserved Roman leather shoes from the river deposits are also remarkable.

The museum is an information center for the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper German-Raetian Limes. About 300 meters away lies the conserved fort with its annex fort, and about one kilometer south of the town a walkable reconstruction of a Limes tower with a wall section. The building includes an inner courtyard, an event hall, a museum shop, and a Roman café.

Highlights

• Covered excavation of a Roman bath with the votive precinct of the beneficiarii
• Mithras altar from Osterburken
• Statue group from Schneidershecke
• Roman leather shoes from the Kirnau
• Fort and walkable Limes tower in the surrounding area

Permanent exhibitions

• Römer am Limes – Permanent exhibition with the sections Religion, Life on the Limes, and Archaeological Methods, mainly with finds from the northern Baden Limes region.
• Römisches Bad und Benefiziarier-Weihebezirk – Covered original excavation of a bathhouse and a votive precinct with altars of Roman beneficiarii.

Founded

1983

Operated by

Historischer Verein Bauland e.V. (Zweigmuseum des Archäologischen Landesmuseums Baden-Württemberg)

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

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

The museum is fully accessible; the fort's outdoor area is only partially suitable for wheelchairs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The museum expressly wants to make history come alive for young and old; family ticket €10. Hands-on workshops such as trying on Roman clothing or Roman board games are aimed at school classes.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A 81 or the B 292.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Roman café with cold drinks, snacks, coffee, and cake; museum shop with specialist literature and replicas. Inner courtyard for breaks.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit