traunstein
Auenstraße 2, 83313 Siegsdorf, Deutschland
Mammoth Museum Siegsdorf | Opening Hours & Prices
The Mammoth Museum Siegsdorf at Auenstraße 2 is one of the most exciting addresses in Chiemgau when it comes to earth history, Ice Age fauna, and vividly narrated natural history. Spanning four floors and over 650 square meters of exhibition space, the museum takes visitors through 250 million years of geology and makes the region of Southeast Bavaria tangible with real finds, striking models, and interactive stations. The centerpiece and crowd puller is the significant mammoth from Siegsdorf: a particularly complete and well-preserved skeleton discovered in the region that continues to fascinate to this day. The offerings are complemented by a bear cave with impressive skeletons, Ice Age scenarios, and the experience-oriented Stone Age Garden next to the museum, which delights families during the summer season with campfires and hands-on stations. The museum is accessible for people with disabilities, features informative special exhibitions – such as the Molassic Park in 2025 – and offers programs for school classes and groups. For those seeking a weather-independent activity with educational value, this is an ideal place for outings at any time of the year within the season.
Opening Hours and Weather: Seasonal Times, Last Admission, Winter Break
For good visit planning, checking the seasonal hours is crucial. In 2025, the Mammoth Museum Siegsdorf will be open daily from April 1 to November 9. The regular hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; the last admission is at 5:30 PM. This daily time window ensures that even trips from Chiemgau, Salzburg, or Munich can be made comfortably without having to rush through the exhibition. After the autumn season, the museum closes for a short winter break. From December 27, the museum reopens and starts the winter with a new special exhibition, making the time between the years suitable for a museum visit as well. Important for families: The Stone Age Garden as an outdoor area generally follows the museum season. During the warm season – from May to October – action days with campfires and hands-on activities are offered there on Thursdays. Since these activities take place outdoors, a quick look at the local weather conditions is worthwhile. On days with stable weather, the activities in the garden are particularly enjoyable; in uncertain conditions, the well-structured, fully indoor permanent exhibition remains a reliable alternative. Because the museum itself is weather-independent, it is ideal as a bad weather program during holidays or as a planned stop on tours in Chiemgau. For up-to-date details – such as special opening days around holidays – it is advisable to check the official pages before visiting. Overall, the visit is intentionally kept uncomplicated: daily opening during the season, clear time windows, and straightforward information about the last admission facilitate planning, even if the weather in the foothills of the Alps changes unexpectedly.
Admission Prices: Adults, Children, Families – What Does the Visit Cost?
Transparent prices make it easy to integrate a museum visit into the daily schedule. Adults pay 10 euros, children and teenagers aged 6 to 17 years pay 5 euros, and children under 6 years have free admission. For families, a family ticket is available starting at 20 euros – a particularly attractive offer if several children are coming along or if the Stone Age Garden is used as an additional program. Access to the Stone Age Garden is included in the museum admission during the summer season. Additionally, there are discounts available depending on the offer, for example, for groups and school classes as part of the museum education programs. Materials and tailored guided tours are available for schools; the thematic units range from a compact journey through earth history to special Stone Age programs with practical elements that combine learning and self-experience. This combination of fair pricing, freely accessible hands-on stations in the garden during the season, and high-quality exhibitions is one of the reasons why the museum attracts numerous visitors each year. For those who want to incorporate the museum visit into a regional vacation program: with the regional guest card, special benefits may apply depending on the action; moreover, the museum is regularly visible in collaborations and special formats – for example, in 2025 with the large special exhibition on molasse and primeval elephants. Visitors with questions about special rates can receive friendly assistance at the ticket counter. This keeps the pricing structure clear and family-friendly, without hidden additional costs in the museum. And: Generally, no reservation is needed; tickets are easily available on-site during opening hours.
Directions and Parking: How to Reach Auenstraße 2 Stress-Free
The location of the museum is central and well signposted. Destination for navigation devices: Auenstraße 2, 83313 Siegsdorf. The municipality is quickly reached from the A8 motorway (Munich–Salzburg); the last meters lead through the local road network to the Traun Bridge, near which the museum is clearly visible. For travel by train and bus, Siegsdorf train station is recommended as a starting point. From there, footpaths lead into the town center; signposts guide visitors through the town to the museum. Designated parking options are available a few minutes' walk away for cars. A designated, easily accessible parking lot is located at Bahnhofstraße 5, 83313 Siegsdorf. Direction signs and the local parking guidance system make orientation easier, ensuring that the walk to the museum remains short and pleasant. Those traveling with strollers, wheelchairs, or walking aids benefit from the barrier-free design of the museum spaces; the transition from the parking lot to the building requires only a short walk through the town center. For group arrivals with tour buses, prior contact is advisable to clarify short stopping options nearby – the contact details (phone and email) are publicly accessible. Visitors who want to combine their museum day with other attractions in Chiemgau will find dining options and additional nature and cultural offerings in the nearby area. Conveniently, signage in the town and the clear house number ensure that the museum at the Traun Bridge is hard to miss. For those wishing to travel sustainably, combining the train ride with a walk through Siegsdorf is a great option – the town center is friendly, the paths are safe and lively, making the journey to the museum part of the outing experience.
Are Dogs Allowed? Notes for the Museum Visit
For a relaxed tour, it is important to observe the visitor regulations. In the indoor areas of the Mammoth Museum Siegsdorf, bringing animals is not permitted. This clear rule helps protect the exhibits and provides all guests – including many families and school classes – with a focused, quiet learning environment. Therefore, those traveling with dogs should plan a suitable care solution in advance. The same regulations apply in the Stone Age Garden; since children actively work with tools and bake bread on sticks at the campfire, the coexistence of animals and hands-on stations would be difficult to organize. For visitors with assistance needs, the barrier-free access of the indoor spaces is a priority: all exhibition areas are accessible without steps and designed with clear pathways, ensuring enough space to closely observe exhibits and reconstructions. Signage on-site also informs about behavioral rules, photography guidelines, and safety – for example, around the bear cave and larger animal models. If questions arise, the ticket and supervision team is happy to assist. Tip for families: Since the museum spans several levels, a maneuverable stroller is recommended for small children; bulky strollers are impractical in the stairwell. Drinking bottles and light snacks can be used outside the exhibition paths – please pay attention to designated areas. This way, the visit remains pleasant for everyone, and the exhibits are protected.
Photos and Images: Highlights in the Museum and the Stone Age Garden
The Mammoth Museum Siegsdorf offers numerous photographic opportunities. At the center is the famous Siegsdorf Mammoth – presented in the museum as an impressive display that makes its dimensions visible in relation to humans. The bear cave with the skeletons, scenes with cave lions and woolly rhinoceroses, as well as detailed dioramas illustrating the landscape and wildlife of the Ice Age, are also popular. In the outdoor area, visitors will find a mammoth model at the Traun Bridge – a striking feature that reminds of the geological significance of the find site even outside the exhibition rooms. The adjacent Stone Age Garden invites for pictures by the campfire during the summer season when children bake bread on sticks or sift minerals from the sand. Those planning photos for travel albums or social media will find perspective-rich viewpoints in the stairwells and at transitions between levels, such as for shots that capture exhibits and architecture together. Since museums sometimes have rules regarding flash, tripods, or video, it is worthwhile to check the on-site notices; the supervision team is happy to provide information. Official images and insights into the exhibition can be found on the pages of the municipality of Siegsdorf and the regional tourism organization, which regularly provide photo series. These sources are suitable for getting a preview of the rooms and the main exhibits – from the mammoth to the bear cave to geological showcases that explain the formation of the Alps. Those coming with children can purposefully connect photographic moments with learning content: A photo in front of the mammoth becomes an opportunity to discuss age estimates, find circumstances, and reconstruction techniques. This way, the memory photo becomes a conversation starter about the science and craftsmanship behind the scenes.
History and 'Founders': From the Find in 1975 to the Museum Opening in 1995
The origin of the museum lies in a spectacular chance find. In 1975, Siegsdorf students Bernard von Bredow and Robert Omelanowsky discovered mammoth bones in the Gerhartsreiter Graben. The find later came into focus for the scientific community and the municipality; during excavations in the mid-1980s, more bones from cave lions, wolves, giant deer, aurochs, and woolly rhinoceroses were uncovered – a window into the fauna of the Ice Age. The growing interest in the finds, the significance of the site, and a donation of fossils from the surrounding area led the municipality of Siegsdorf to develop a larger project: a building that conveys earth history and paleontology of the region in a publicly accessible form. In 1995, the Natural History and Mammoth Museum was opened. Speaking of classic founding years and a single benefactor is therefore too simplistic: Rather, it was a shared project of community engagement, scientific support, and regional backing. In 1997, a support association was founded, which financed acquisitions – such as for the bear cave or a mobile mammoth model – and contributed to the museum's visibility through lectures and excursions. The museum focuses on the last 250 million years – from the Triassic to the Quaternary. The exhibitions use a mix of original finds, prepared comparison pieces, large-format graphics, and lifelike reconstructions. The result is a tour that sparks curiosity in children while also appealing to adults seeking in-depth information on geology and Ice Age fauna. A particularly striking section of recent history is the recognition of the Siegsdorf mammoth: it is considered one of the largest and best-preserved mammoth skeletons in Europe – a superlative that underscores both its display value and scientific significance. Each year, the operators count several tens of thousands of guests; for regional schools, the museum is a staple of educational work. This anchoring shows that the museum is more than just an exhibition site: it is a vibrant learning space for the entire region.
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Mammoth Museum Siegsdorf | Opening Hours & Prices
The Mammoth Museum Siegsdorf at Auenstraße 2 is one of the most exciting addresses in Chiemgau when it comes to earth history, Ice Age fauna, and vividly narrated natural history. Spanning four floors and over 650 square meters of exhibition space, the museum takes visitors through 250 million years of geology and makes the region of Southeast Bavaria tangible with real finds, striking models, and interactive stations. The centerpiece and crowd puller is the significant mammoth from Siegsdorf: a particularly complete and well-preserved skeleton discovered in the region that continues to fascinate to this day. The offerings are complemented by a bear cave with impressive skeletons, Ice Age scenarios, and the experience-oriented Stone Age Garden next to the museum, which delights families during the summer season with campfires and hands-on stations. The museum is accessible for people with disabilities, features informative special exhibitions – such as the Molassic Park in 2025 – and offers programs for school classes and groups. For those seeking a weather-independent activity with educational value, this is an ideal place for outings at any time of the year within the season.
Opening Hours and Weather: Seasonal Times, Last Admission, Winter Break
For good visit planning, checking the seasonal hours is crucial. In 2025, the Mammoth Museum Siegsdorf will be open daily from April 1 to November 9. The regular hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; the last admission is at 5:30 PM. This daily time window ensures that even trips from Chiemgau, Salzburg, or Munich can be made comfortably without having to rush through the exhibition. After the autumn season, the museum closes for a short winter break. From December 27, the museum reopens and starts the winter with a new special exhibition, making the time between the years suitable for a museum visit as well. Important for families: The Stone Age Garden as an outdoor area generally follows the museum season. During the warm season – from May to October – action days with campfires and hands-on activities are offered there on Thursdays. Since these activities take place outdoors, a quick look at the local weather conditions is worthwhile. On days with stable weather, the activities in the garden are particularly enjoyable; in uncertain conditions, the well-structured, fully indoor permanent exhibition remains a reliable alternative. Because the museum itself is weather-independent, it is ideal as a bad weather program during holidays or as a planned stop on tours in Chiemgau. For up-to-date details – such as special opening days around holidays – it is advisable to check the official pages before visiting. Overall, the visit is intentionally kept uncomplicated: daily opening during the season, clear time windows, and straightforward information about the last admission facilitate planning, even if the weather in the foothills of the Alps changes unexpectedly.
Admission Prices: Adults, Children, Families – What Does the Visit Cost?
Transparent prices make it easy to integrate a museum visit into the daily schedule. Adults pay 10 euros, children and teenagers aged 6 to 17 years pay 5 euros, and children under 6 years have free admission. For families, a family ticket is available starting at 20 euros – a particularly attractive offer if several children are coming along or if the Stone Age Garden is used as an additional program. Access to the Stone Age Garden is included in the museum admission during the summer season. Additionally, there are discounts available depending on the offer, for example, for groups and school classes as part of the museum education programs. Materials and tailored guided tours are available for schools; the thematic units range from a compact journey through earth history to special Stone Age programs with practical elements that combine learning and self-experience. This combination of fair pricing, freely accessible hands-on stations in the garden during the season, and high-quality exhibitions is one of the reasons why the museum attracts numerous visitors each year. For those who want to incorporate the museum visit into a regional vacation program: with the regional guest card, special benefits may apply depending on the action; moreover, the museum is regularly visible in collaborations and special formats – for example, in 2025 with the large special exhibition on molasse and primeval elephants. Visitors with questions about special rates can receive friendly assistance at the ticket counter. This keeps the pricing structure clear and family-friendly, without hidden additional costs in the museum. And: Generally, no reservation is needed; tickets are easily available on-site during opening hours.
Directions and Parking: How to Reach Auenstraße 2 Stress-Free
The location of the museum is central and well signposted. Destination for navigation devices: Auenstraße 2, 83313 Siegsdorf. The municipality is quickly reached from the A8 motorway (Munich–Salzburg); the last meters lead through the local road network to the Traun Bridge, near which the museum is clearly visible. For travel by train and bus, Siegsdorf train station is recommended as a starting point. From there, footpaths lead into the town center; signposts guide visitors through the town to the museum. Designated parking options are available a few minutes' walk away for cars. A designated, easily accessible parking lot is located at Bahnhofstraße 5, 83313 Siegsdorf. Direction signs and the local parking guidance system make orientation easier, ensuring that the walk to the museum remains short and pleasant. Those traveling with strollers, wheelchairs, or walking aids benefit from the barrier-free design of the museum spaces; the transition from the parking lot to the building requires only a short walk through the town center. For group arrivals with tour buses, prior contact is advisable to clarify short stopping options nearby – the contact details (phone and email) are publicly accessible. Visitors who want to combine their museum day with other attractions in Chiemgau will find dining options and additional nature and cultural offerings in the nearby area. Conveniently, signage in the town and the clear house number ensure that the museum at the Traun Bridge is hard to miss. For those wishing to travel sustainably, combining the train ride with a walk through Siegsdorf is a great option – the town center is friendly, the paths are safe and lively, making the journey to the museum part of the outing experience.
Are Dogs Allowed? Notes for the Museum Visit
For a relaxed tour, it is important to observe the visitor regulations. In the indoor areas of the Mammoth Museum Siegsdorf, bringing animals is not permitted. This clear rule helps protect the exhibits and provides all guests – including many families and school classes – with a focused, quiet learning environment. Therefore, those traveling with dogs should plan a suitable care solution in advance. The same regulations apply in the Stone Age Garden; since children actively work with tools and bake bread on sticks at the campfire, the coexistence of animals and hands-on stations would be difficult to organize. For visitors with assistance needs, the barrier-free access of the indoor spaces is a priority: all exhibition areas are accessible without steps and designed with clear pathways, ensuring enough space to closely observe exhibits and reconstructions. Signage on-site also informs about behavioral rules, photography guidelines, and safety – for example, around the bear cave and larger animal models. If questions arise, the ticket and supervision team is happy to assist. Tip for families: Since the museum spans several levels, a maneuverable stroller is recommended for small children; bulky strollers are impractical in the stairwell. Drinking bottles and light snacks can be used outside the exhibition paths – please pay attention to designated areas. This way, the visit remains pleasant for everyone, and the exhibits are protected.
Photos and Images: Highlights in the Museum and the Stone Age Garden
The Mammoth Museum Siegsdorf offers numerous photographic opportunities. At the center is the famous Siegsdorf Mammoth – presented in the museum as an impressive display that makes its dimensions visible in relation to humans. The bear cave with the skeletons, scenes with cave lions and woolly rhinoceroses, as well as detailed dioramas illustrating the landscape and wildlife of the Ice Age, are also popular. In the outdoor area, visitors will find a mammoth model at the Traun Bridge – a striking feature that reminds of the geological significance of the find site even outside the exhibition rooms. The adjacent Stone Age Garden invites for pictures by the campfire during the summer season when children bake bread on sticks or sift minerals from the sand. Those planning photos for travel albums or social media will find perspective-rich viewpoints in the stairwells and at transitions between levels, such as for shots that capture exhibits and architecture together. Since museums sometimes have rules regarding flash, tripods, or video, it is worthwhile to check the on-site notices; the supervision team is happy to provide information. Official images and insights into the exhibition can be found on the pages of the municipality of Siegsdorf and the regional tourism organization, which regularly provide photo series. These sources are suitable for getting a preview of the rooms and the main exhibits – from the mammoth to the bear cave to geological showcases that explain the formation of the Alps. Those coming with children can purposefully connect photographic moments with learning content: A photo in front of the mammoth becomes an opportunity to discuss age estimates, find circumstances, and reconstruction techniques. This way, the memory photo becomes a conversation starter about the science and craftsmanship behind the scenes.
History and 'Founders': From the Find in 1975 to the Museum Opening in 1995
The origin of the museum lies in a spectacular chance find. In 1975, Siegsdorf students Bernard von Bredow and Robert Omelanowsky discovered mammoth bones in the Gerhartsreiter Graben. The find later came into focus for the scientific community and the municipality; during excavations in the mid-1980s, more bones from cave lions, wolves, giant deer, aurochs, and woolly rhinoceroses were uncovered – a window into the fauna of the Ice Age. The growing interest in the finds, the significance of the site, and a donation of fossils from the surrounding area led the municipality of Siegsdorf to develop a larger project: a building that conveys earth history and paleontology of the region in a publicly accessible form. In 1995, the Natural History and Mammoth Museum was opened. Speaking of classic founding years and a single benefactor is therefore too simplistic: Rather, it was a shared project of community engagement, scientific support, and regional backing. In 1997, a support association was founded, which financed acquisitions – such as for the bear cave or a mobile mammoth model – and contributed to the museum's visibility through lectures and excursions. The museum focuses on the last 250 million years – from the Triassic to the Quaternary. The exhibitions use a mix of original finds, prepared comparison pieces, large-format graphics, and lifelike reconstructions. The result is a tour that sparks curiosity in children while also appealing to adults seeking in-depth information on geology and Ice Age fauna. A particularly striking section of recent history is the recognition of the Siegsdorf mammoth: it is considered one of the largest and best-preserved mammoth skeletons in Europe – a superlative that underscores both its display value and scientific significance. Each year, the operators count several tens of thousands of guests; for regional schools, the museum is a staple of educational work. This anchoring shows that the museum is more than just an exhibition site: it is a vibrant learning space for the entire region.
Sources:
Mammoth Museum Siegsdorf | Opening Hours & Prices
The Mammoth Museum Siegsdorf at Auenstraße 2 is one of the most exciting addresses in Chiemgau when it comes to earth history, Ice Age fauna, and vividly narrated natural history. Spanning four floors and over 650 square meters of exhibition space, the museum takes visitors through 250 million years of geology and makes the region of Southeast Bavaria tangible with real finds, striking models, and interactive stations. The centerpiece and crowd puller is the significant mammoth from Siegsdorf: a particularly complete and well-preserved skeleton discovered in the region that continues to fascinate to this day. The offerings are complemented by a bear cave with impressive skeletons, Ice Age scenarios, and the experience-oriented Stone Age Garden next to the museum, which delights families during the summer season with campfires and hands-on stations. The museum is accessible for people with disabilities, features informative special exhibitions – such as the Molassic Park in 2025 – and offers programs for school classes and groups. For those seeking a weather-independent activity with educational value, this is an ideal place for outings at any time of the year within the season.
Opening Hours and Weather: Seasonal Times, Last Admission, Winter Break
For good visit planning, checking the seasonal hours is crucial. In 2025, the Mammoth Museum Siegsdorf will be open daily from April 1 to November 9. The regular hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; the last admission is at 5:30 PM. This daily time window ensures that even trips from Chiemgau, Salzburg, or Munich can be made comfortably without having to rush through the exhibition. After the autumn season, the museum closes for a short winter break. From December 27, the museum reopens and starts the winter with a new special exhibition, making the time between the years suitable for a museum visit as well. Important for families: The Stone Age Garden as an outdoor area generally follows the museum season. During the warm season – from May to October – action days with campfires and hands-on activities are offered there on Thursdays. Since these activities take place outdoors, a quick look at the local weather conditions is worthwhile. On days with stable weather, the activities in the garden are particularly enjoyable; in uncertain conditions, the well-structured, fully indoor permanent exhibition remains a reliable alternative. Because the museum itself is weather-independent, it is ideal as a bad weather program during holidays or as a planned stop on tours in Chiemgau. For up-to-date details – such as special opening days around holidays – it is advisable to check the official pages before visiting. Overall, the visit is intentionally kept uncomplicated: daily opening during the season, clear time windows, and straightforward information about the last admission facilitate planning, even if the weather in the foothills of the Alps changes unexpectedly.
Admission Prices: Adults, Children, Families – What Does the Visit Cost?
Transparent prices make it easy to integrate a museum visit into the daily schedule. Adults pay 10 euros, children and teenagers aged 6 to 17 years pay 5 euros, and children under 6 years have free admission. For families, a family ticket is available starting at 20 euros – a particularly attractive offer if several children are coming along or if the Stone Age Garden is used as an additional program. Access to the Stone Age Garden is included in the museum admission during the summer season. Additionally, there are discounts available depending on the offer, for example, for groups and school classes as part of the museum education programs. Materials and tailored guided tours are available for schools; the thematic units range from a compact journey through earth history to special Stone Age programs with practical elements that combine learning and self-experience. This combination of fair pricing, freely accessible hands-on stations in the garden during the season, and high-quality exhibitions is one of the reasons why the museum attracts numerous visitors each year. For those who want to incorporate the museum visit into a regional vacation program: with the regional guest card, special benefits may apply depending on the action; moreover, the museum is regularly visible in collaborations and special formats – for example, in 2025 with the large special exhibition on molasse and primeval elephants. Visitors with questions about special rates can receive friendly assistance at the ticket counter. This keeps the pricing structure clear and family-friendly, without hidden additional costs in the museum. And: Generally, no reservation is needed; tickets are easily available on-site during opening hours.
Directions and Parking: How to Reach Auenstraße 2 Stress-Free
The location of the museum is central and well signposted. Destination for navigation devices: Auenstraße 2, 83313 Siegsdorf. The municipality is quickly reached from the A8 motorway (Munich–Salzburg); the last meters lead through the local road network to the Traun Bridge, near which the museum is clearly visible. For travel by train and bus, Siegsdorf train station is recommended as a starting point. From there, footpaths lead into the town center; signposts guide visitors through the town to the museum. Designated parking options are available a few minutes' walk away for cars. A designated, easily accessible parking lot is located at Bahnhofstraße 5, 83313 Siegsdorf. Direction signs and the local parking guidance system make orientation easier, ensuring that the walk to the museum remains short and pleasant. Those traveling with strollers, wheelchairs, or walking aids benefit from the barrier-free design of the museum spaces; the transition from the parking lot to the building requires only a short walk through the town center. For group arrivals with tour buses, prior contact is advisable to clarify short stopping options nearby – the contact details (phone and email) are publicly accessible. Visitors who want to combine their museum day with other attractions in Chiemgau will find dining options and additional nature and cultural offerings in the nearby area. Conveniently, signage in the town and the clear house number ensure that the museum at the Traun Bridge is hard to miss. For those wishing to travel sustainably, combining the train ride with a walk through Siegsdorf is a great option – the town center is friendly, the paths are safe and lively, making the journey to the museum part of the outing experience.
Are Dogs Allowed? Notes for the Museum Visit
For a relaxed tour, it is important to observe the visitor regulations. In the indoor areas of the Mammoth Museum Siegsdorf, bringing animals is not permitted. This clear rule helps protect the exhibits and provides all guests – including many families and school classes – with a focused, quiet learning environment. Therefore, those traveling with dogs should plan a suitable care solution in advance. The same regulations apply in the Stone Age Garden; since children actively work with tools and bake bread on sticks at the campfire, the coexistence of animals and hands-on stations would be difficult to organize. For visitors with assistance needs, the barrier-free access of the indoor spaces is a priority: all exhibition areas are accessible without steps and designed with clear pathways, ensuring enough space to closely observe exhibits and reconstructions. Signage on-site also informs about behavioral rules, photography guidelines, and safety – for example, around the bear cave and larger animal models. If questions arise, the ticket and supervision team is happy to assist. Tip for families: Since the museum spans several levels, a maneuverable stroller is recommended for small children; bulky strollers are impractical in the stairwell. Drinking bottles and light snacks can be used outside the exhibition paths – please pay attention to designated areas. This way, the visit remains pleasant for everyone, and the exhibits are protected.
Photos and Images: Highlights in the Museum and the Stone Age Garden
The Mammoth Museum Siegsdorf offers numerous photographic opportunities. At the center is the famous Siegsdorf Mammoth – presented in the museum as an impressive display that makes its dimensions visible in relation to humans. The bear cave with the skeletons, scenes with cave lions and woolly rhinoceroses, as well as detailed dioramas illustrating the landscape and wildlife of the Ice Age, are also popular. In the outdoor area, visitors will find a mammoth model at the Traun Bridge – a striking feature that reminds of the geological significance of the find site even outside the exhibition rooms. The adjacent Stone Age Garden invites for pictures by the campfire during the summer season when children bake bread on sticks or sift minerals from the sand. Those planning photos for travel albums or social media will find perspective-rich viewpoints in the stairwells and at transitions between levels, such as for shots that capture exhibits and architecture together. Since museums sometimes have rules regarding flash, tripods, or video, it is worthwhile to check the on-site notices; the supervision team is happy to provide information. Official images and insights into the exhibition can be found on the pages of the municipality of Siegsdorf and the regional tourism organization, which regularly provide photo series. These sources are suitable for getting a preview of the rooms and the main exhibits – from the mammoth to the bear cave to geological showcases that explain the formation of the Alps. Those coming with children can purposefully connect photographic moments with learning content: A photo in front of the mammoth becomes an opportunity to discuss age estimates, find circumstances, and reconstruction techniques. This way, the memory photo becomes a conversation starter about the science and craftsmanship behind the scenes.
History and 'Founders': From the Find in 1975 to the Museum Opening in 1995
The origin of the museum lies in a spectacular chance find. In 1975, Siegsdorf students Bernard von Bredow and Robert Omelanowsky discovered mammoth bones in the Gerhartsreiter Graben. The find later came into focus for the scientific community and the municipality; during excavations in the mid-1980s, more bones from cave lions, wolves, giant deer, aurochs, and woolly rhinoceroses were uncovered – a window into the fauna of the Ice Age. The growing interest in the finds, the significance of the site, and a donation of fossils from the surrounding area led the municipality of Siegsdorf to develop a larger project: a building that conveys earth history and paleontology of the region in a publicly accessible form. In 1995, the Natural History and Mammoth Museum was opened. Speaking of classic founding years and a single benefactor is therefore too simplistic: Rather, it was a shared project of community engagement, scientific support, and regional backing. In 1997, a support association was founded, which financed acquisitions – such as for the bear cave or a mobile mammoth model – and contributed to the museum's visibility through lectures and excursions. The museum focuses on the last 250 million years – from the Triassic to the Quaternary. The exhibitions use a mix of original finds, prepared comparison pieces, large-format graphics, and lifelike reconstructions. The result is a tour that sparks curiosity in children while also appealing to adults seeking in-depth information on geology and Ice Age fauna. A particularly striking section of recent history is the recognition of the Siegsdorf mammoth: it is considered one of the largest and best-preserved mammoth skeletons in Europe – a superlative that underscores both its display value and scientific significance. Each year, the operators count several tens of thousands of guests; for regional schools, the museum is a staple of educational work. This anchoring shows that the museum is more than just an exhibition site: it is a vibrant learning space for the entire region.
Sources:
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Reviews
Karin König
19. August 2025
Great and very lovingly designed museum! It showcases a lot about the geology of the region as well as fossils and the real bones of the Siegsdorf mammoth, a cave bear, and a cave lion - all explained very well. What's great is that not only real bones are shown, but also complete reconstructions of the animals in their habitat. In the attached garden, there are animal skins to touch, and you can search for stones and minerals. Great museum guide included in the admission. The whole experience is complemented by a small but nice shop with great fossils, stones, books, and stuffed animals. We really enjoyed it - the staff member at the cash register was also super friendly.
C. M.
9. October 2025
The mammoth museum is really well done! The exhibition is exciting and you learn a lot about the Ice Age and the mammoths. Outside, there are two sandboxes where you can search for small gemstones, shark teeth, and fossils, which is really fun! The little museum shop is also super cute. Overall, the visit was mammoth-tastic! 🦣✨
Ivanna Tomm
12. October 2025
A very nice museum with historical elements and history related to Siegsdorf. It's also very nice for small children, as they can touch a lot and participate in many activities.
Anna-Lena Dörholt
12. June 2025
A small museum with "local" finds from the Siegsdorf mammoth, cave lions, and cave bears. Duration about 1-1.5 hours. During our visit, it was family day, meaning there were many activities to do outside in the Stone Age garden, like finding "gemstones", making bread on a stick, and crafting chains, etc. Very nicely done.
Joan Lisa
29. August 2025
I remember the museum from my childhood. That's why we stopped by. The museum is very small, but there is a lot of information, simply presented enough for children. There are also great opportunities in the garden to try out what you've learned. Only the stone machine eats coins and gives nothing back :-(