Steinzeitdorf Pestenacker

About the museum

A Neolithic wetland settlement was discovered in Pestenacker. Excavations took place from 1988 to 1993 as part of a priority program of the German Research Foundation (DFG), and from 2000 to 2004 by the Bavarian State Department for Monument Protection (Bayerisches Landesamt für Denkmalpflege). In 1993, the friends' association Förderverein Prähistorische Siedlung Pestenacker e. V. was founded. Since 2011, the site has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps."

In 1996, the exhibition building, today's visitor pavilion, was built together with a walk-in replica of one of the best-documented houses. In 2020, the "Prähistorische Siedlung Pestenacker" became the Steinzeitdorf (Stone Age Village), which reopened in summer 2021; it is an institution of the district of Landsberg am Lech.

Today, visitors can explore the Stone Age house, a Stone Age garden with historic grain and herb varieties, Klotzbeuten (log beehives), a fire pit, and a clay oven. In the pavilion, the permanent exhibition shows replicas of the settlers' pottery, tools, weapons, and clothing, including a copy of the oldest hat in Bavaria, and explains the methods of archaeology.

Highlights

• Walk-in replica of a Stone Age house
• Stone Age garden with historic grain and herb varieties
• Klotzbeuten (log beehives) and clay oven
• Replica of the oldest hat in Bavaria
• UNESCO World Heritage site "Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps"

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung im Besucherpavillon – Replicas of pottery, tools, weapons, and clothing of the Pestenacker settlers, along with panels on archaeological methods and the protection of the World Heritage site.
• Steinzeithaus, Garten und Klotzbeuten – Walk-in house replica, Stone Age garden with historic useful plants, and beehives on the outdoor grounds.

Operated by

Landkreis Landsberg am Lech

Director

Lejla Hasukić

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free on all opening days; guided tours on officially announced dates and events are free of charge.

Accessibility

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

The visitor pavilion is largely barrier-free and accessible with a stroller, wheelchair, or walker. The outdoor area can only be navigated in parts. Large gravel parking lot without a specifically marked accessible parking space. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted; other dogs only on a leash on the grounds.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The hands-on concept "Steinzeit zum Mitmachen" (Stone Age to Get Involved) offers workshops (e.g., weaving, basket wrapping, from age 14), holiday programs, and school programs ranging from Animals of the Stone Age to a Stone Age rally.

Getting there & parking

Navigation address: Hauptstraße 100, 86947 Weil (Pestenacker district).

Amenities & dining

• Coat check
• Lockers: not available

Cloakroom in the entrance area of the visitor pavilion (unattended); no covered storage for large luggage.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit