Journey through millennia: A visit to the Quintana Museum in Künzing
We are traveling in Eastern Bavaria. Passau is our starting point, but our destination lies a little further west along the Limes Road: the Quintana Museum in Künzing. Anyone interested in history—especially the Roman period and the Danube Limes—will find a place here that not only tells history, but makes it tangible.
Künzing is small, quiet, and at first glance unassuming. But anyone entering the Quintana Museum will quickly realize that a long and fascinating history lies hidden here – one that stretches far back to the Stone Age, through the Celtic period, and on to the Roman auxiliary troops.
A museum with a clear structure and quiet effect
The museum has a modern design and a clear layout. It focuses on three historical periods: the Neolithic, the Celtic, and the Roman eras. Each period has its own section—a good decision, as it allows visitors to focus on the essentials. The exhibits are complemented by information panels that don't overwhelm, but rather invite visitors to learn more.
We take our time with each section. The rooms are pleasantly quiet, with no distractions. Instead, there's room for observation—and for the questions you naturally ask yourself during the tour.
The dead woman of Niederpöring – a look into early history
Right at the beginning we meet a woman from the Neolithic period – the so-called Dead from NiederpöringHer grave was discovered not far from Künzing and has been faithfully recreated in a room of the museum. We were particularly impressed by the Facial reconstruction, which stands right next to it. The bust depicts a woman with striking, almost masculine features—far from the idealized image one might have of earlier people.
This woman's gaze is serious, her face lifelike. It's a moment that makes you pause.
The grave goods – clay vessels, jewelry, tools – tell of a daily life in close contact with nature. It was a time of upheaval: hunters became farmers, nomads became sedentary people. The first villages emerged along the Danube. The region became a habitat.
Celts in the Quintana Museum: Artful craftsmanship and extensive trade
In the next room, we delve into the world of the Celts. This era is also documented by numerous finds from the surrounding area. The Brooches, glass beads, weapons and ceramics, which were not only artistic but also functional.
A bronze belt hook with spiral decorations remains particularly memorable. It demonstrates that the people of this period were not only practical but also possessed a keen sense of aesthetics.
What we didn't know before: The Celts in this region were part of extensive trading networks. Their goods found their way to Italy and other parts of Europe.
It is an era that deserves more attention – and is presented in a calm, impressive way at the Quintana Museum.
Roman Museum in Künzing: Auxiliary troops on the Danube Limes
The largest part of the museum is devoted to the Roman period. At that time, Künzing was known as Quintanis and served as the site of a Roman fort. Interestingly, here no legionnaires, but above all Auxiliary troops (Auxilia) were stationed.
The difference is significant: Legionaries were Roman citizens with full civil rights. Auxiliary troops, on the other hand, came from the provinces—often from present-day Gaul, the Balkans, or Germania—and only received citizenship after 25 years of service. They supplemented the regular troops with special skills, such as horsemen or archers.
Life in such a fort was characterized by military activities, but also closely linked to everyday civilian life. The finds in the museum demonstrate this:
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Brick with stamps of Legio III Italica,
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Household items such as Oil lamps, game pieces and writing tablets,
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and a particularly beautiful Silberschatz, which was probably hidden during a time of unrest.
A model of the fort shows what the complex once looked like. Even today, some paths in Künzing still run along the old fort structure—a subtle reminder of the Roman past beneath today's streets.
A late lunch in Aldersbach
After our visit to the museum we make a detour to Aldersbach, which is just a few kilometers away. There, we stop at an inn belonging to the old monastery complex. Over a late lunch, we reflect on what we've seen.
We talk again about the facial reconstruction of the dead from Niederpöring, about the filigree Celtic brooches and about the soldiers who once served on the fringes of the Roman Empire.
For us, these are the moments that make traveling so exciting – when places tell stories and we feel connected to them for a moment.
Good to know: Visit to the Quintana Museum in Künzing
(I.e. Address:
Quintana Museum – Künzing Archaeological Museum
Schulstraße 7, 94550 Künzing
🌐 www.museum-quintana.de
🕰 Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 – 16:00
The museum is closed on Mondays.
🎟 Admission:
The Künzing Museum offers fair admission prices, with discounts for families, school groups and seniors.
Accommodation in or near Künzing (advertisement):
How to get to the Roman Museum Künzing: How to reach the destination comfortably by car
The Roman Museum Künzing is easily accessible by car:
- From Passau: about 45 minutes
- From Regensburg: about 1 hour 10 minutes
- From Munich: approx. 1 hour 45 minutes
The best route is via the A3 (exit Vilshofen/Garham or Iggensbach). From there, it is only a few minutes to the town center. However, we chose the federal highway B8 for our journey from Passau, which runs directly along the banks of the Danube. Künzing Museum There are sufficient parking spaces available.
Tip for cyclists: Stop at the Quintana Museum
The Quintana Künzing is located not far from the Danube Cycle Path and directly on the German Limes RoadIdeal for anyone who wants to combine a stage of the tour with a cultural stopover. The museum is also easily accessible by e-bike, as the paths are mostly flat.
Stop for a break after your museum visit: Enjoyment near Quintana Künzing
Anyone who, after the tour through the Künzing Museum If you feel like taking a break, we recommend a stop at the neighboring AldersbachThere, you can enjoy a late lunch in a quiet atmosphere at an inn near the old monastery complex—perfect for a relaxing end to the day.
Sources and further information:
Conclusion: A story that touches us
The Quintana Museum surprised us. Not because it was spectacular or large, but because it quietly and impressively demonstrates how complex the history of a small place can be.
Whether the Stone Age, Celts, or Romans: every era left its mark, which is now presented with care and respect. Those who take their time will discover not only facts, but also faces, stories, and surprising connections.
For us, it was definitely a successful trip—a quiet, educational day with plenty to think about. That's exactly how we like cultural trips.
Questions and answers about the Quintana Museum
1. What can I expect at the Quintana Museum in Künzing?
At the Quintana Museum—also known as the Künzing Roman Museum—you can expect an exciting journey through three major eras: the Stone Age, the Celtic period, and the Roman period. The exhibition is modern and vividly designed, featuring numerous finds from the region. Particularly impressive are the facial reconstruction of the "Dead of Niederpöring" from the Neolithic period, artfully crafted Celtic jewelry, and finds from the Roman fort of Quintanis. The museum places great emphasis on bringing history to life—in a calm, immersive way.
2. How long should you plan to spend visiting the museum?
For a relaxing visit you should 1,5 to 2 hours Those who would like to delve deeper into the information panels, models, and individual eras can easily spend more time in the museum. History buffs and families with children in particular will find a slightly longer stay worthwhile—particularly because the museum is pleasantly quiet and easy to navigate.
3. Is the Quintana Museum suitable for children?
Yes, the Künzing Museum is familienfreundlich It's also well-suited for children. There's child-friendly information, exciting exhibits (such as Roman game pieces and weapons), and a vivid depiction of everyday life in earlier cultures. Guided tours specifically tailored to younger visitors can be booked for school classes or groups. Facial reconstructions and models also make it easy for children to immerse themselves in the past.
4. What is the best way to reach the Quintana Museum by car?
The museum is easily accessible by car:
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From Passau it takes about 45 minutes
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From Regensburg about 1 hour 10 minutes
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From Munich about 1 hour 45 minutes
The A3 motorway (Vilshofen/Garham or Iggensbach exit) is easily accessible, and from there it is only a few minutes to the town center. Directly at the Künzing Museum, there are also sufficient free parking spaces is available for storage, management and analysis.
5. Can a museum visit be combined with a stopover or an excursion?
Yes, definitely. After visiting the museum, you can visit the nearby Aldersbach – for example, for a leisurely lunch at the inn near the monastery. A walk along the Danube, a detour to Osterhofen, or a short stretch on the Limes or Danube Cycle Path can also be easily integrated. Those traveling by bike, however, will find many opportunities for relaxing stops in the surrounding area.
6. What special features does the museum offer compared to other Roman museums?
The Quintana Museum stands out for its concentrated focus on local history as well as its connection to actual sites in Künzing and the surrounding area. Unlike large Roman museums, the museum focuses on life on the edge of the empire – especially on the Roman auxiliary troopswho were stationed in the Quintanis fort. The connection to the Celts and the Neolithic period makes the historical arc particularly exciting. authentic atmosphere and proximity to the site make the museum unique.
7. When is the museum open and do I need to make a reservation in advance?
The museum is Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00, it is closed on Mondays. Advance reservation is not necessary for individual visitors. Groups or guided tours However, advance booking is recommended, especially during school holidays or for school visits. Current opening hours and prices can be found on the official website.
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