Römische Thermen
Remains of a large Roman bath complex of the fort village of Biriciana under a tent roof, with walkways, reconstructions, and a 3D film.
About the museum
The bath complex came to light in 1977 during construction work on the southwestern edge of Weißenburg. It belonged to the civilian settlement of the Biriciana fort on the Raetian Limes. After excavation, the Bavarian State Office for Monument Protection (Bayerisches Landesamt für Denkmalpflege) conserved the walls in the 1980s and partly restored them; since then, the remains have been protected under a striking tent-roof structure and can be viewed from walkways.
The baths were expanded in several stages: a simple row-type bath from around 90 AD grew by the late 2nd century into a large complex with hot, warm, and cold bathing rooms, a sweat bath, and a hall. In the 3rd century, it was damaged during Germanic raids and eventually abandoned. Floor plans, a color-coded guidance system, and reconstructions make the building phases and the use of the bathing and service rooms easy to follow. Excavations in front of the building showed that the bath stood in the middle of a densely built settlement.
Since 2012, a new building has welcomed visitors as the "gateway to Roman Weißenburg". A large information wall and a 3D film of around 20 minutes with virtual reconstructions introduce military and civilian life in Biriciana; a shorter film shows cavalry games in parade armor. The baths are part of the Museen Weißenburg, whose RömerMuseum in the old town displays the finds, including the famous Roman treasure.
Highlights
- Well-preserved foundations of a large bath complex
- Walkways under the tent roof
- Reconstructions of the building phases
- 3D film "Macht, Pracht und Untergang" in the reception building
- Costumed tour with Livia, the bathhouse leaseholder
Permanent exhibitions
- Römische Thermen und „Tor zum römischen Weißenburg“ – Tour along walkways through the conserved bathing rooms, plus an information wall and a 3D film on Roman Biriciana in the reception building.
- Operated by
- Stadt Weißenburg i. Bay.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50School students, university students, trainees/apprentices, people with severe disabilities, Federal Volunteer Service participants, unemployed people, holders of the volunteer card (Ehrenamtskarte) (proof required in each case) |
| Children & teens | €2.50free up to age 5 · Children under 6 free; school students pay the reduced price, school students from Weißenburg are free. |
| Seniors | –No senior discount listed. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €2.50companion free · Up to two companions of people with severe disabilities admitted free. |
| Students & apprentices | €2.50 |
| Groups (15+ people) | €2.50 per personGroups of 15 or more, reduced by €1.50 per person; registration requested. Classic guided tour (45 min., max. 20 people) €35 plus admission, costumed tour "BadeGeflüster" €130. |
| Families | €8Two adults and two children (ages 6–17); each additional child €2. |
| Museum ticket (RömerMuseum, Römische Thermen, ReichsstadtMuseum) | €10One admission to each of the three museums within one month; reduced €6, family €19 |
| Museen Weißenburg season pass | €25Unlimited visits March 15 – November 15; reduced €15 |
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €8 · Two adults and two children (ages 6–17); each additional child €2. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Explorer booklet "Unterwegs in Biriciana" (€2, best for ages 8 and up) for families, available at the baths. The Museen Weißenburg offer hands-on programs and costumed tours year-round; for children's groups there is a staged reading on the Roman gods.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bahnhof Weißenburg i. Bay.
Take the train to Weißenburg i. Bay. station, then about a 5–10-minute walk.
By car
Parking available
Car and bus parking lot right at the baths (Gunzenhausener Straße); from there about a 5-minute walk to the Biriciana fort grounds. Additional bus parking at the train station (Kohlstraße).
By car via the B 2 or B 13 (exit Weißenburg-Nord or -Süd), then follow the signs.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Public and private guided tours (max. 20 people) via the Weißenburg tourist information office, tel. 09141 907124, tourist@weissenburg.de. |
