Cambodunum Archaeological Park

The Cambodunum Archaeological Park in Kempten preserves the remains of one of the most important Roman towns in what is now southern Germany. On a hill above the Iller River in the Allgäu region, you can walk through a rebuilt Gallo-Roman temple precinct, see the heating system of the Small Baths and trace the outline of the forum. It is a rewarding, family-friendly stop for anyone interested in Roman history.

Where it is and how to get there

Kempten is the main town of the Allgäu, about 130 km (80 miles) west of Munich. Trains from Munich reach Kempten Hbf in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, and the Deutschlandticket covers regional services. From the main station, city bus line R8 stops at Schumacherring/APC. Drivers should note the park has no parking lot of its own; use the Illerdamm or Brodkorbweg lots, a 5 to 15 minute walk away.

Why it matters

The Greek geographer Strabo mentioned a place called Kambodounon, which is why Kempten calls itself the oldest town in Germany documented in writing, a title Trier also claims. Cambodunum was one of the leading towns of the Roman province of Raetia and probably its first capital before Augsburg. The hilltop town was abandoned in the late 3rd century. Excavations began in 1885, and the park opened its first section in 1987.

What you will see

• Temple precinct: white rebuilt temples and a long portico where Roman and Celtic gods were worshipped
• Small Baths: pools, walls and brick pillars of the underfloor heating under a glass shelter
• Forum and basilica: reconstructed foundations and a model of the town center
• Live dig: in season, archaeologists from Kempten and LMU Munich excavate the first stone forum

Opening hours and tickets (as of October 2026)

The park is open March 15 to November 15, 2026, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on many public holidays.

• Adults €5, reduced €2.50
• Under 18s, school pupils and students: free
• Free for everyone on the first Sunday of each month

One ticket covers both the temple precinct and the baths. Tickets can also be bought online and collected at the temple precinct desk.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you enjoy history or travel with kids: there is a Roman-themed playground and a small café, and children get in free. Much of the site is accessible by ramps, and wheelchairs can be borrowed for free. Allow one to two and a half hours, and combine your visit with Kempten's Residenz and old town.