The Nebra Sky Disc, the oldest concrete depiction of the heavens anywhere in the world, is the most famous exhibit in the State Museum of Prehistory in Halle. Other outstanding finds are also presented in impressive displays in Germany’s oldest purpose-built museum of prehistory.

The State Museum is open again after extensive renovations. The permanent exhibition has been enlarged and the museum regularly shows special exhibitions.
 

State Museum of Prehistory
Richard-Wagner-Str. 9
06114 Halle (Saale)
Tue.: 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Wed. - Fri.: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sat., Sun., Holidays: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Mon. by prior appointment

For information on current events and special exhibitions:

Contact: +49 (0)345 · 52 47 361

The Nebra Ark Visitors’ Centre was set up at the foot of Mittelberg hill, where the Sky Disc was discovered. Elaborate presentations teach visitors about the secrets of this unique treasure and let them join in solving its puzzles and learning more about it. Nebra Ark’s digital planetarium gives a vivid picture of the complex astronomical facts depicted on the Sky Disc. On Mittelberg hill, the findspot itself is marked by the ‘Celestial Eye’, an installation that brings the sky down to earth. A viewing tower shaped like a giant sundial makes the bronze age observations of the horizon comprehensible to us again today.

Opening hours:

- April to October daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- November to March Tue. - Fri. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sat.,Sun., Holidays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Mon. and on 24.12.
Contact: 034461 · 25 52 0
www.arche-nebra.de

The circular earthwork at Goseck is the world’s oldest archaeological evidence for systematic observation of the heavens. The imposing monument, with a diameter of around 70 metres, was fully excavated and then reconstructed in its original position. The course of the sun can now be observed at the installation again, as was done 7000 years ago when the observatory was constructed by stone age farmers.

The gates and breaks in the palisade are aligned with important dates in the agricultural year. The solstices and the May Day spring festival are recorded here, among other dates.

The Infopoint in the near-by castle, Schloss Goseck, explains the excavations and the fascinating phenomenon of circular earthworks in an interesting and family-friendly presentation.

Infopoint in Schloss Goseck

Opening hours:
April to October 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
November to March 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Mon. and on 24.12.
Contact: 03443 / 28 44 89
The reconstructed observatory is freely accessible all year.
www.himmelswege.de

The stone chambered tomb at Langeneichstädt, with its depiction of a ‘dolmen goddess’ on a menhir 1.76 m high, is evidence of our ancestors’ beliefs about the afterlife. The tomb and the stone column were constructed in the period between 3600 and 2700 BC. There are clear marks of smoothing on the stone of the column’s sides, which probably came about because the menhir was touched frequently – perhaps in the course of magical or ritual customs.

The chambered tomb is a striking and thought-provoking stop on the Sky Paths, and also offers a sweeping view of the countryside and the mediaeval tower.

The site is freely accessible all year.
Guided tour by appointment
Warteverein (voluntary association): Herr Kaminsky

Contact: 034632 · 40 162
www.himmelswege.de