Manching can be explored through several themes: the Celtic rampart, Roman finds and aviation history. The kelten römer museum and the Archaeological Trail offer different perspectives on the Celtic and Roman past. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to focus on archaeology, a guided tour of the aviation museum or the traditional Barthelmarkt in Oberstimm.
The Celtic Rampart and Early Settlement History
The Celtic rampart is a circular rampart around the former settlement of Manching. It enclosed the settlement area in an oval shape and had four entrance gates. The rampart was 7.5 kilometres long and 2.25 kilometres wide; sections of the rampart, which was up to four metres high, are still visible. The surviving sections give an impression of the scale of this fortification.
From around 450 BC, the Celtic Vindelici settled in Manching, east of the Paar and south of the former main branch of the Danube. The Celtic rampart and this location make the town a destination for travellers interested in the early history of the region.
The Museum and Circular Trail: Two Perspectives
The Archaeological Trail runs along the Celtic rampart, built in the 2nd century BC. The circular trail begins right next to the kelten römer museum. At eleven locations, 20 information panels provide details about the Celtic and Roman past. This lets you explore the history along the rampart rather than only viewing it in an exhibition.
The kelten römer museum presents original finds, informative models, partial reconstructions at a 1:1 scale and interactive exhibits about the Celtic and Roman periods across 1,200 m². The trail and the museum complement each other in their focus: outdoors, the route along the rampart and information at the eleven locations take centre stage; in the museum, you will find artefacts, models and reconstructions. Exhibition content may change. If you are planning a museum visit well in advance, check the latest information beforehand.
Aviation Museum with Restricted Access
The Messerschmitt Aviation Museum in Manching houses a collection of eight airworthy aircraft bearing the Messerschmitt name. The aircraft on display may vary. Due to its location on the Airbus site, public access to the museum is limited. Guided tours take place about once a month; places are limited and certain conditions apply. Make sure your participation is confirmed before finalising your plans.
This makes the aviation museum quite different from the archaeological attractions: a guided tour with limited places needs to be planned, while the Archaeological Trail is a circular route. If you want to include aviation history in your plans, the confirmed tour should be the deciding factor.
Oberstimm: Roman Ships and the Barthelmarkt
The municipality of Manching also includes Oberstimm. Two wooden boat wrecks dating to around 100 AD were found there in 1986. They are considered the best-preserved Roman military ships north of the Alps. The discovery adds another period to the town’s history: alongside the Celtic settlement, Roman ships take centre stage here.
Oberstimm is also the venue for the Barthelmarkt, traditionally held around the last Sunday in August. If you want to plan your trip around the market, check the exact event date for the year in question.
When choosing between the different themes, the main consideration is the planning involved: the Celtic rampart, museum and trail form the archaeological focus; the aviation museum requires a confirmed guided tour. The Barthelmarkt offers a seasonal occasion, and you should check its exact date in advance.
Discover more destinations: Pörnbach, Schweitenkirchen, Gerolsbach, Reichertshofen, Münchsmünster, Geisenfeld, Wolnzach.
Back to the regional travel overview: Pfaffenhofen An Der Ilm.
