Manching: Celtic Wall, nature trail and museums
Accommodation in Manching
An extensive Celtic Wall, archaeological finds and a nature trail bring Manching’s past to life at several specific sites. There is also a museum covering Celtic and Roman topics, a collection of airworthy Messerschmitt aircraft and the traditional Barthelmarkt in Oberstimm. The different highlights can help you decide what you would like to shape your stay.
The Celtic Wall and its history
The circular rampart around the former settlement of Manching enclosed the area in an oval and had four entrance gates. It 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 measurements convey the scale of the site; at the same time, the surviving sections make its connection with the town immediately apparent.
From around 450 BC, the Celtic Vindelici settled in Manching, east of the Paar and south of the former main channel of the Danube. The Manching Archaeological Trail runs along the Celtic Wall, which was built in the 2nd century BC. The circular route starts right at the kelten römer museum. At eleven locations, 20 information panels describe the Celtic and Roman past. The trail thus links the history of the site with explanations along the route.
Archaeology in the museum and out in the open
The kelten römer museum presents original finds, informative models, partial reconstructions at a 1:1 scale and interactive features relating to the Celtic and Roman periods across 1,200 m². The permanent exhibition offers a different way to explore these subjects than the trail along the wall. Individual exhibition content may change over time.
In Oberstimm, within the municipality of Manching, two wooden boat wrecks dating from around 100 AD were found in 1986. They are considered the best-preserved Roman military vessels north of the Alps. Oberstimm is also where the Barthelmarkt takes place, traditionally around the last Sunday in August. The archaeological find and the recurring market represent two very different sides of local history.
A special setting for your visit: the aviation museum
The Messerschmitt Aviation Museum in Manching houses eight airworthy aircraft bearing the Messerschmitt name. Because it is located on the Airbus site, public access is limited. Museum tours take place approximately once a month; places are limited and certain conditions apply. Participation must be confirmed in advance. If you are planning a visit, take the tour requirements into account when organising your trip.
Manching as a place to stay, the region as an addition
If you would also like to explore other regional interests, it is worth taking a look at the wider destination of Pfaffenhofen An Der Ilm. This allows you to include local cultural history and outings with a variety of themes in your plans, without confusing the two.
In the southern part of the Pfaffenhofen a.d. Ilm district, the landscape is shaped by Tertiary uplands with gentle hills and valleys. For cycling trips, the district has well-signposted cycle paths through river valleys, as well as themed routes focusing on asparagus and hops. In many municipalities, themed hiking trails and walking paths invite you to enjoy a stay in nature. These activities offer a different focus from Manching’s archaeological highlights.
Culture and regional themes are also part of the Pfaffenhofen An Der Ilm destination: in Wolnzach, the German Hop Museum presents more than 1,000 years of hop-growing history. It displays old hop weighing certificates and introduces visitors to the art of brewing beer. The district also offers guided tours through historic town lanes, hop farm tours and herb walks for nature lovers. Two varied 18-hole golf courses add to the choice; check their availability before you travel.
Discover more destinations
Vohburg An Der Donau, Reichertshausen, Reichertshofen, Geisenfeld, Wolnzach, Gerolsbach, Münchsmünster.
Back to the main travel overview: Pfaffenhofen An Der Ilm.
