Kelten Römer Fest Manching

Manching – the largest Celtic Oppidum north of the Alps

Manching was one of the largest Celtic Oppida in Central Europe in the 2nd/1st century BC: a fortified town with up to 10,000 inhabitants, blacksmiths, coin minting, glassworks, and trade throughout antiquity. The archaeological finds – including the famous Manching Gold Hoard – make the site one of Europe's most important Celtic discovery sites. The kelten römer museum manching on the grounds has been presenting the finds since 2006.

A Museum Festival with European Reach

The Kelten Römer Fest is not just a medieval market with an ancient sticker – it is Southern Germany's most important ancient reenactment event. Over 100 participants in more than 25 historical groups from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, and Switzerland present Celtic and Roman camps in authentic attire. Scientific advice from the museum guarantees historical accuracy – this is not fantasy, but history you can touch.

Camp Life and Demonstrations

In the Celtic and Roman camp, artisans demonstrate their work: strenuous blacksmithing, salt production, intricate pottery, weaving magnificent garments. On the training ground, Roman legionaries demonstrate maneuver tactics, Celtic warriors practice swordsmanship, and equestrian combat showcases the cavalry of antiquity. In the museum's ship hall, concerts are performed on reconstructed ancient instruments – lyre, tibia, cornu.

Hands-on Activities

Unlike purely spectator reenactments, the Kelten Römer Fest focuses on hands-on activities: craft workshops for children and adults, archery under instruction, introduction to archaeological methods (identification, surveying), coin minting. The museum also offers special tours and expert lectures on the history of the Oppidum.

Festival Tent and Beer Garden with an Ancient Touch

Refreshments are available in the large festival tent and beer garden – the menu mixes Bavarian festival cuisine (Bratwurst, roast pork, chicken) with foods popular in antiquity (bread, cheese, wine, honey cake). This creates a relaxed atmosphere after hours of exploring the camp.

Free Admission – A Gift to the Region

One of the most unusual features: free admission, no ticket required. The museum sees the festival as a gift to the region and an opportunity to bring ancient history to a broad audience.

Manching in the Pfaffenhofen District

Manching is a market town in the Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm district, immediately south of Ingolstadt, in the middle of the Danube plain. Today known primarily as the location of the Airbus plants and the Bundeswehr proving ground, Manching is simultaneously an archaeological treasure of the first order.