Franconian Open-Air Museum Bad Windsheim

The Franconian Open-Air Museum in Bad Windsheim (Fränkisches Freilandmuseum) is the largest open-air museum in Bavaria and shows how people in Franconia once lived and worked. Across 45 hectares, more than 120 historic buildings from all over the region have been rebuilt, from farmhouses and barns to craftsmen's workshops. It is a relaxed day trip for families, history fans and anyone who enjoys walking outdoors, and it suits a stop between Nuremberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

What you will see

The buildings are grouped by region. The east features houses from the Regnitz Franconia and Franconian Alb areas, the south has limestone-roofed Jura houses, and the west shows buildings from Main Franconia and the Franconian Heights, including a communal brewhouse. There are also a 20th-century section, an industry and technology group with a working brick kiln, and a medieval area. Highlights include the Bauhofstadel barn from 1441 with its freestanding roof frame and the Museum Kirche in Franken, a museum of church life in a restored hospital church that opened in 2006. The museum offers craft demonstrations, theater and guided tours.

Opening hours and tickets (as of October 2026)

Through October 24, 2026, the main grounds are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last entry at 5 p.m. From October 25 to December 13, winter hours apply: weekdays 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays and holidays 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed Mondays from November 3. Admission costs 9 euros for adults and 6 euros reduced, and children under 6 are free. The family ticket for two adults with children is 21 euros. The Backofenfest (baking oven festival) on October 18, 2026 features historic ovens in operation and the last craft demonstrations of the season.

Getting there

Bad Windsheim has hourly trains, and the museum is about a 15-minute walk from the station. Due to track work in autumn 2026, a replacement bus runs between Neustadt an der Aisch and Steinach near Rothenburg, so allow extra time and check Deutsche Bahn. By car, take the A3, A6, A7, A9 or A73 and enter "Bernhard-Bickert-Weg" in your navigation. Parking for cars and buses is free. Cycling on the grounds is not allowed, but there are covered bike racks.

Practical tips

• Plan three to five hours; the grounds are large.
• Most craftspeople demonstrate in summer, with the last demonstrations on October 18.
• The museum's website gave no specifics on dogs or accessibility, so call ahead if you need to know.
• Wear sturdy shoes for gravel and grass paths.