Römerfest Schwarzenacker

A Roman settlement comes alive again

The Römer Museum Schwarzenacker near Homburg in the Saarpfalz district is one of Germany's most important archaeological open-air museums: on the site of a Gallo-Roman vicus settlement from the 2nd and 3rd centuries — a roadside station and market town on the important trade route between Mainz, Worms, and Metz — faithful reconstructions of Roman houses, workshops, a bakery, a temple, and the famous colonnaded hall have been erected. Every year in September, the area becomes the scene of the Römerfest (also called "Römertage"): reenactment groups from all over Germany and the greater region bring ancient life back to life over two days.

What happens at the Römertage

The focus is on the Roman legionaries and auxiliary troops: reenactment groups present their equipment, armament, discipline, and combat tactics in several demonstrations per day. An ancient oven is fired up, bread is baked according to Roman recipes, and distributed to visitors. Demonstration areas for jewelry making, leather processing, pottery, and textile production show how craftsmen worked in the 2nd century. A fashion show presents Roman clothing — tunic, toga, stola — with historically recreated hairstyles.

Children, Science, and Reenactment

For children, there is an excavation field where they can unearth small "finds" under the supervision of archaeologists and take them home with a certificate — one of the most popular stations. In addition, there are painting and drawing stations with ancient motifs, demonstrations of Roman games (board games, skill competitions), and educational videos about Gallo-Roman daily life. Scientifically accompanied lectures explain research findings on the settlement, nutrition, house construction, and religion.

Schwarzenacker and Saarland University

The museum is operated in close cooperation with the Saarland University and its Chair of Classical Archaeology. Students and doctoral candidates are often active as mediators at the festival. This elevates the Römertage beyond mere reenactment spectacles to a scientific level that few comparable events in Germany can match.

Special Exhibition 2026: VENI VIDI PLAYMOBIL®

In 2026, the museum will present the unusual special exhibition "VENI VIDI PLAYMOBIL®" (March 1 – October 31): the ancient world recreated with the famous Playmobil figures. A bridge between high culture and family programming that makes the museum particularly popular with younger visitors. The exhibition runs parallel to the Römertage.

Saarpfalz District and Arrival

Schwarzenacker is located on the outskirts of Homburg, easily accessible via the A6 (Homburg exit). Visitors to the Römerfest can combine their stay with the Schlossberghöhlen Homburg (Europe's largest sandstone caves), Karlsberg Park, or a hike in the Bliesgau region.