Römisches Museum mit Archäologischem Park Köngen
Museum pavilion and archaeological park on the grounds of the Roman fort of Köngen (Grinario) with a reconstructed corner tower.
About the museum
On a high terrace above the Neckar, a fort stood in Roman times, next to which the settlement of Grinario developed with craftsmen, merchants, and sanctuaries. Duke Carl Eugen had the first excavations carried out as early as 1783. In 1885, the foundations of a corner tower were discovered; at the instigation of the Schwäbischer Albverein, it was reconstructed and inaugurated in 1911. In the 1970s, the tower was renovated and given a small exhibition on military history.
In the 1960s, the area was threatened with development. After a long legal dispute, monument protection prevailed in 1973. With state subsidies, the municipality of Köngen, the Schwäbischer Albverein, and the Landesdenkmalamt were able to design the site as a Roman park in the 1980s; the park and museum opened in June 1988.
The museum pavilion with its green roof is meant to evoke a lifted clod of earth. The permanent exhibition uses information panels, finds, and a slide show to explain the military camp and life in Grinario. Among the best-known pieces are a relief of the horse goddess Epona, a hoard of silver coins, and parts of a Jupiter Giant Column. Since 2026, the exhibition has been under conceptual review; the museum is currently open only on individual dates, while the park is accessible at any time.
Highlights
- Conserved fort remains in the freely accessible Roman park
- Reconstructed Roman corner tower from 1911
- Relief of the goddess Epona
- Roman coin hoard
- Children's audio walk "Römis Abenteuer" (Römi's Adventure) through the park
Permanent exhibitions
- Grinario – das römische Köngen – Finds, information panels, and a slide show on the fort, settlement, trade, and religion in Roman Köngen; currently accessible only on individual days.
- Founded
- 1988
- Operated by
- Gemeinde Köngen
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: not available
- Audio description: no information
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Free audio drama walk "Römis Abenteuer – Das Geheimnis der magischen Münze" (Römi's Adventure – The Secret of the Magic Coin) (about 42 minutes) through the Roman park; a treasure pass with a puzzle is available at the information point in the town hall. Groups can borrow headphones free of charge after registering at the town hall. Children's birthday parties are not possible during the closure.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Betz
From Wendlingen station (Stuttgart–Tübingen line) about a 15-minute walk to the fort, alternatively by bus to Köngen to the stop Betz.
By car via the A 8 or B 313 (exit Wendlingen/Köngen), at the roundabout with the Jupiter Giant Column follow the signs to the Roman park; access via Ringstraße.
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
| Audio guide | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Tours, projects, and children's birthday parties are not offered during the closure. In the park, a free GPS audio walk for children is available (QR code, own smartphone and headphones). |
