Archäologisches Freilichtmuseum Oerlinghausen, Open-air archaeological museum in Oerlinghausen, Germany
The Archäologisches Freilichtmuseum Oerlinghausen is an open-air museum with six large building complexes featuring reconstructed settlements and historical structures. These buildings illustrate human life from the Ice Age through the early medieval period.
The museum was founded in 1936 by archaeologist Hans Reinerth, based on excavation campaigns conducted between 1926 and 1931 that uncovered Germanic settlement sites. These discoveries formed the foundation for the reconstructions visible today.
Visitors can try traditional handcraft techniques themselves, such as grinding grain or starting fires using historical methods. These hands-on activities help people understand how prehistoric communities managed their daily lives.
The museum is accessible from April through September, with extended hours on weekends and shortened hours in October. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are large and require considerable walking.
The museum maintains herds of reconstructed medieval breeds such as pigs and goats that demonstrate how ancient cultures raised livestock. These animals are part of the overall picture and not merely decoration for the historical scenes.
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