Manching: Celtic Wall, Museums and Hotels

The Celtic Wall and Early Settlement

The Celtic Wall around the former settlement of Manching is a circular rampart with four access gates. It enclosed the settlement area in an oval shape and was 7.5 kilometres long and 2.25 kilometres wide. Sections of the wall, which was up to four metres high, are still visible. These dimensions make the extent of the site tangible and give the archaeological theme a concrete spatial context.

The Celtic Vindelici settled east of the Paar and south of the former main branch of the Danube in Manching from around 450 BC. The Celtic Wall was built in the 2nd century BC. For chronological context, it is worth distinguishing between these dates: they refer to the start of settlement and the later construction of the wall, not to a single event.

Trail and Museum

The Manching Archaeological Trail runs along the Celtic Wall, built in the 2nd century BC. It is laid out as a circular route and starts right at the kelten römer museum. A total of 20 information boards at eleven locations cover the Celtic and Roman past. This allows you to view the information in the museum and the history of the wall as different perspectives on the same past.

The kelten römer museum presents original finds, illustrative models, partial reconstructions at a 1:1 scale, and interactive exhibits relating to the Celtic and Roman periods across 1,200 m². The specific exhibits may change; check what is currently on display before your visit. This will help you tailor your museum visit to the topics that interest you most.

Roman Finds in Oberstimm

In Oberstimm, a district of the municipality of Manching, two wooden boatwrecks dating to around 100 AD were found in 1986. They are considered the best-preserved Roman military vessels north of the Alps. This find adds a Roman connection to Manching’s Celtic themes; its context is also tied to the year it was discovered and the boats’ approximate age.

Aviation Museum and Barthelmarkt

The Messerschmitt Aviation Museum in Manching houses a collection of eight airworthy aircraft bearing the Messerschmitt name. The aircraft on display may vary. Limited access is also important to bear in mind when planning your visit: because of its location on the Airbus site, the museum is only open to the public to a limited extent. Guided tours take place about once a month, places are limited, and certain conditions apply. Participation must be confirmed; therefore, check dates and conditions in advance.

In Oberstimm, the Barthelmarkt is traditionally held around the last Sunday in August. If this event is relevant to your stay, check the specific event dates for your travel period.

Pfaffenhofen An Der Ilm in the Regional Context

In the wider destination of Pfaffenhofen An Der Ilm, the southern district is characterised by tertiary hill country with gentle rises and valleys. In Wolnzach, the German Hop Museum explores more than 1,000 years of hop-growing history; its themes include old hop weighing slips and beer brewing. The district has well-signposted cycle paths in the river valleys as well as themed routes focusing on asparagus and hops. Many municipalities also offer themed hiking trails and walking paths for enjoying a stay in nature.

Plan Your Stay Around Its Purpose

First decide which of these themes matter most for your trip, then choose your hotel according to your personal requirements and travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Oberstimm, Baar-Ebenhausen, Gerolsbach, Münchsmünster, Reichertshofen, Jetzendorf, Vohburg An Der Donau, Schweitenkirchen.

Return to the main travel overview: Pfaffenhofen An Der Ilm.