Römisches Freilichtmuseum Hechingen-Stein

About the museum

In the early 1970s, the remains of a Roman estate were discovered in the district of Stein; the then-mayor Gerd Schollian is regarded as the discoverer. The first major excavations between 1978 and 1981 uncovered an unusually large complex, and research has been ongoing since 1992.

The villa rustica was initially built of wood in the late 1st century, and in the 2nd century it was rebuilt in stone and greatly expanded. The main building reached a length of 48 meters and more than 500 square meters of living space, and the walled grounds cover about five hectares. Around the middle of the 3rd century, at the time of the fall of the Limes, the estate was abandoned.

On the foundations, parts of the complex were reconstructed based on archaeological findings and ancient models: the main house with a colonnade, a bath, a temple precinct with ten small chapels, as well as a mill, bakehouse, forge, and storage buildings. In 2005/06 the main house was expanded, and in September 2021 the temple precinct reopened after six years of volunteer work. The museum is run by the Förderverein Römisches Freilichtmuseum Hechingen-Stein (friends' association).

In the main house, finds such as terra sigillata, bronze fibulae, tools, and coins are on display, complemented by models, dioramas, and a short audiovisual introduction. Every two years in August, a large Roman festival takes place.

Highlights

• Reconstructed main house with a colonnade
• Roman bath and temple precinct with ten small chapels
• Bakehouse with mill and forge
• Finds such as terra sigillata, fibulae, and coins
• Panoramic terrace with a view of Burg Hohenzollern

Permanent exhibitions

• Römischer Gutshof Hechingen-Stein – Tour of the grounds of a large villa rustica with a reconstructed main house, bath, temple precinct, mill, bakehouse, and forge.
• Fundausstellung im Haupthaus – Original finds from the estate – pottery, bronze jewelry, tools, and coins – together with models and dioramas on Roman daily life.

Operated by

Römisches Freilichtmuseum Hechingen-Stein e.V.

Admission & discounts

Kiosk and panoramic terrace accessible without admission. Free admission with the Museumspass and AlbCard; €2 discount with a valid public transport ticket (bwegtPlus). Group tours (max. 25 people) €60, for school classes €50, costumed tour €90, each plus admission.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Sloping terrain: wheelchair users can use the upper parking lot or drive up to the kiosk. Building interiors can only be reached via stairs, and gravel and lawn paths between the stations are difficult with a wheelchair or walker; staff will help. Dogs on a leash allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's birthday parties, mosaic laying, Roman games, and baking for groups; workbook and questionnaire for school classes. Children's area with playhouses.

Getting there & parking

From Tübingen/Balingen via the Hechingen-Nord exit, from Stuttgart/Singen via the A81 exit Empfingen; in each case on the L410 to Stein.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Kiosk at the entrance with drinks, coffee, cake, and small dishes on the panoramic terrace; barbecue area for groups available to rent (€30).

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit