Archaeology Park

The largest of its kind in Germany

With its more than thirty recreated buildings from the Middle Ages, the Bärnau-Tachov History Park is the largest archaeology park of its kind in Germany. The site is divided into three categories of ancient civilisations, and includes the Slavonic longhouse, a motte-and-bailey-type castle surrounded by adjacent residential and work buildings, and also a large 9th-13th century-era inn. Such exhibits underscore the Bärnau-Tachov History Park’s unique ability to convey the development history of a region typified by a coming together of the Bavarian population and Slavonic settlers.

Bärnau-Tachov History Park offers visitors the chance to see various historical artefacts, and to step inside fully recreated medieval structures. All of our historic buildings represent faithful recreations of former structures. Archaeologists are able to determine their correct appearance by studying wood and stone remnants at archaeological sites.  Indeed, the latest scientific methodology even allows such sites to be precisely dated down the year.

As an example, our recreated inn was based on a real site dated to the year 1261. And even furnishings – from furniture right down to the personal wares of our Middle Ages re-enactors – reflects the findings of archaeologists.

During special events, the Park is brought to life with performers dressed in period costumes. Visitors can thus enjoy the opportunity of looking over the shoulders of craftsmen building a house, or a housekeeper cooking a meal. A stroll through the Park offers visitors a vivid, sensory experience of everyday life in the Middle Ages. It truly is an immersion in history.

How did people live more than 1,000 years ago? How did they work? What did they eat? How did clothing and lifestyles change between AD 800 and AD 1,300? Take a journey back in time at the Bärnau-Tachov History Park and find out for yourselves!

Permanent exhibition at the Bärnau-Tachov History Park

Preview of the permanent exhibition