Aalen Roman Days

Living History on the Limes

Aalen, in the Ostalbkreis district of the state of Baden-Württemberg, hosts the Limesmuseum on the grounds of one of the most important Roman cavalry forts north of the Alps — the garrison of Ala II Flavia milliaria, a Roman cavalry unit of around 1,000 men. Here, the city of Aalen (Culture and Press Office), together with the Limesmuseum, organizes the Roman Days every two years. The 14th edition in 2026 will take place on September 26 and 27.

The Program — Military, Crafts, Daily Life

The Roman Days bring reenactor groups from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Great Britain, and other European countries to the museum grounds. The focus is on military demonstrations: legionary drills, formation marches, weapons presentations, siege techniques with ancient artillery and projectiles. The cavalry demonstrations are a highlight in themselves — the connection to the former cavalry fort is brought to life here with horses, Roman riders, and equipped cavalry gear.

In addition, ancient crafts are presented: glassblowers, blacksmiths, leatherworkers, textile dyers, and potters work in front of the public and explain their techniques. Gladiator fights form the theatrical pole of the program; a Roman water organ (Hydraulis), a replica of a late antique instrument, provides the musical accompaniment. For families, there are hands-on activity stations for children.

The Limesmuseum as a Stage

The Limesmuseum Aalen, a branch of the Archaeological State Museum Baden-Württemberg, documents the history of the Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes — a UNESCO World Heritage site — and especially that of Ala II Flavia. Numerous original finds are displayed in the museum building and on the outdoor grounds; the Roman Days utilize precisely these spaces and the historically charged outdoor area. The event is one of the most significant Roman reenactment events in Southern Germany.

Aalen and the Ostalbkreis

Aalen, with around 70,000 inhabitants, is a major district town in the Ostalbkreis and is located in eastern Baden-Württemberg between the Swabian Jura and the Franconian Forest. The city combines a Roman past (Aalen was a Roman garrison town for over 200 years) with modern industrial characteristics (optics, automotive, Carl Zeiss Vision). The Roman Days are the annually recurring showcase of the city's ancient heritage — an event that makes Aalen known far beyond the region.