Ehemalige Synagoge Kriegshaber
Oldest surviving synagogue in Bavarian Swabia in Augsburg-Kriegshaber, since 2014 a site of the Jewish Museum Augsburg Swabia.
About the museum
Until it was incorporated into the city, Kriegshaber was an independent village at the gates of Augsburg and belonged to the Further Austrian Margraviate of Burgau. Jewish families were allowed to settle here from the late 16th century; around 1730 they made up more than half of the inhabitants. Kriegshaber thus became one of the important rural communities in Swabia.
According to the museum, the synagogue was set up in an existing residential building at the beginning of the 18th century and remained the center of the community's religious life for about two centuries. In the 19th century, when the community became smaller, the building was renovated and expanded in 1862. During the November pogrom of 1938 the building remained largely undamaged but was expropriated. In 1955 the city of Augsburg acquired the building, which then stood empty for a long time and fell into disrepair.
After an extensive renovation that deliberately leaves visible traces of its eventful history – such as the painted vault, the Torah ark, and the imprint of the bimah foundation under glass – the building opened in May 2014 as the second site of the Jewish Museum Augsburg Swabia. It is considered the oldest surviving synagogue in Bavarian Swabia and is the rural counterpart to the large synagogue in the city center. A multimedia guide opens up the space, and there are also temporary exhibitions, tours, and workshops. During the multi-year renovation of the city center site starting in November 2026, Kriegshaber is the place where the museum welcomes visitors.
Highlights
- Oldest surviving synagogue in Bavarian Swabia
- Painted vault and Torah ark in the former prayer room
- Visible traces of the eventful building history
- Multimedia guide included in admission
- Family tour "Unterwegs mit den Synagogenmäusen" (On the Road with the Synagogue Mice)
Permanent exhibitions
- Ehemalige Synagoge Kriegshaber – The restored prayer room with vault painting and Torah ark tells, with the help of a multimedia guide, of the rural Jewish community of Kriegshaber.
- Founded
- 2014
- Operated by
- Stiftung Jüdisches Kulturmuseum Augsburg-Schwaben
- Director
- Dr. Carmen Reichert
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | freeSchool students, trainees, university students, unemployed people, people with disabilities, and federal volunteer service participants (free admission) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 6 · School children have free admission as students. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with disabilities. |
| Students & apprentices | freeFree admission. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Groups of 10 or more people only with a booked tour. |
| Culture social ticket (Augsburger Tafel ID) | €1 |
Prices from November 2, 2026, multimedia guide included. Free admission also for members of the German Museums Association and ICOM as well as press representatives with ID; present proof on site.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- 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
Partially accessible. The accessible entrance is hard to find – please notify in advance (kh@jmaugsburg.de or 0821 44428717); accessible parking space available.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Tour "Unterwegs mit den Synagogenmäusen" for children, families, and school classes. Children up to 6 years free.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Neusäßer Straße · 1-min walk
Tram 2 (toward Augsburg West P+R) to Neusäßer Straße, about 6 minutes from Augsburg-Oberhausen station; bus 32 (toward Uniklinik BKH) to Gieseckestraße, about 20 minutes from the main station.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
Street parking with a parking disc in the surrounding area, no parking garage nearby. Accessible parking spaces after registration (empfang@jmaugsburg.de or 0821 44428717).
- Accessible parking
By car via the B17 or B300. By bicycle about 16 minutes from Augsburg's city center.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Lockers
Smaller bags and backpacks must go in lockers.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
Rooms in the former synagogue Kriegshaber can be rented for private events and seminars.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Multimedia guide to the synagogue included in admission. Bag check at the entrance; large backpacks, suitcases, and travel bags are not allowed. Public tours according to the events calendar; groups of 10 or more and school classes book tours or workshops in advance. |
