EXPERIENCE HISTORY LIVE - a 3D museum

Family experiences for cold winter days. Baden-Württemberg carries a profound connection to Celtic history. Here, trade routes, cult sites, and settlements emerged, shaping people's lives and whose influence remains notable to this day. These Celtic roots are not only a part of the past but also an essential component of the cultural identity of the region, inviting visitors to rediscover the origins of this fascinating civilization. The Swabian Jura was once 'Celtic land' - the Heidengraben was the most significant settlement in Europe. Heidengraben was a Celtic oppidum used in the 1st century BC, located on the Vorderen Alb in the districts of Grabenstetten, Erkenbrechtsweiler, and Hülben. The oppidum Heidengraben featured an inner and an outer defense ring, with the settlement of Elsachstadt lying within the first. The gate G of the outer defense ring was restored in Erkenbrechtsweiler. As a unique site from the Celtic period, Heidengraben and the burial ground at Burrenhof today form a cultural monument of European significance and are an important part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Swabian Jura and the Celtic concept of the state of Baden-Württemberg. The largest Celtic settlement in Central Europe is located in the districts of the three Alb municipalities: Erkenbrechtsweiler, Grabenstetten, and Hülben. Even today, 2000 years later, the remains of the massive fortifications are clearly visible on the terrain. However, the roots of Heidengraben trace back to around 1200 BC. At this time, a burial ground emerged in the area of modern Burrenhof, which developed over the following centuries into a unique burial and sacred site. A vast network of pathways and roads connected the cult area with the surrounding landscape. Covering a total area of 1662 hectares, Heidengraben is not only the largest known Celtic fortification in Germany - a so-called 'oppidum' - but also one of the largest in all of Europe. However, as of today, only a small percentage has been archaeologically examined. Nevertheless, the findings are impressive: recent geophysical surveys might even suggest a large cult site, while numerous discoveries such as amphora remnants or jewelry indicate lively trade activities far beyond national borders. Today, Heidengraben is part of the Swabian Jura Biosphere Reserve. At the Heidengraben Center, you can experience late Celtic history up close: films, audio experiences, and simulations bring the ancient Celts of the region to life - reconstructions and vivid scenes complement the multimedia exhibition and invite you to take a journey through time. It is fascinating to sit in a Celtic wagon and experience a live ride through a Celtic village, witness a market day or attend a Celtic burial ceremony. Everything is tangible and close. In our opinion, the Heidengraben Center is the best-crafted Celtic museum in the country. An observation tower with 102 steps has also been built at the Hochholz parking lot, the highest point of the Heidengraben site. Visitors can now view the Celtic land from above. At Heidengraben, the past comes alive. The massive remains of what was once the largest Celtic settlement in Europe tell of a fascinating high culture that united trade, art, and religion at an astonishing level. Today, the place combines archaeological significance with modern mediation: At the Heidengraben Center, visitors can enjoy multimedia exhibitions, experience Celtic scenarios up close, and take a look over the historical