Ancient history unfolds in an immersive, multimedia setting through a 8,000-year-old concrete dome structure
Revamped Exposition Coming to Schandorf's Ancient Tumuli by Spring 2026
Hear ye, hear ye! Get ready for a mind-blowing journey through 7,000 years of history in the forest of Schandorf, located in the district of Oberwart on the Hungarian-Austrian border. By spring 2026, an interactive exhibition is set to make a splash, transforming this historic site into an immersive, modern educational experience.
The star of the show? A whopping 285 tumuli that were built around 800 to 600 BC, making Schandorf a real hotspot for archaeology aficionados. This burial ground will be brought to life in an eight-meter-high and 20-meter-wide concrete dome, resembling a colossal tumulus. It'll house a top-notch multimedia exhibition space, allowing visitors to touch, see, and experience ancient history like never before.
From Tumuli to Hill Settlement: A Journey through Time
On Wednesday, October 20, officials from regional politics and Burgenland Tourism gathered in Schandorf, ready to unveil the exciting plans for this innovative exhibition. The project is a cooperation between the Tourism Association South Burgenland, the Archaeology Department of the province, and the TU Vienna, utilizing their revolutionary "Pneumatic-Wedge-Method" construction technique.
Governor Hans Peter Doskozil declared this endeavor "the start of an innovative project for modern historical presentation in Burgenland." The exploration and excavation of these burial mounds over the years as part of the INTERREG project "ArcheON" serve as the foundation for this unique site and its modern presentation.
Burgenland: The Heart of "Circular Ditch Structures"
Are you excited for this epic venture yet? Hold onto your helmets, the best is yet to come! This region, along with other archaeological sites in Burgenland and neighboring Hungary, forms an extraordinary archaeological landscape spanning from the Stone Age to the Roman Empire.
So far, the consistency of five tumulus groups is known, totaling around 285 tumuli, with an estimated total of around 400 expected to be uncovered in the near future. With around 230 tumuli nestled in the Austrian forest near Schandorf alone, you won't want to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime educational experience.
From Mediaeval Marvels to Bitcoin Gold: Schandorf's Hidden Treasures
Life in Schandorf wasn't always about ancient tombs. The region's historical timeline extends further into medieval and modern times, with the discovery of Roman-era ruins and medieval architectural relics. Visitors can also expect to get up close and personal with authentic artifacts from the Hallstatt culture, a significant period in the history of the area.
But wait, there's more! As part of the cross-border EU project "ArcheoROUTE", a state-of-the-art technical equipment upgrade is in the works to catapult the dome exhibition's visualization and overall visitor experience. The opening is tentatively scheduled for the earliest in spring 2026. "Together, we are creating a space where the history of the country comes alive," says Governor Doskozil. Be a part of this incredible journey through time in the heart of Schandorf!
ArcheoROUTE: The Future of Cultural Heritage Tourism
ArcheoROUTE is a groundbreaking EU project that focuses on blending innovation with education to enhance the appeal of historical sites for tourists. The initiative typically involves cutting-edge digital tools, interactive exhibits, and sustainable tourism strategies to boost the allure of under-visited archaeological sites across Europe.
ArcheoROUTE's cooperation with Schandorf involves showcasing this ancient burial ground within a contemporary context, using cutting-edge techniques like the "Pneumatic-Wedge-Method." With the EU's support, the exhibition hopes to become a beacon for tourists while preserving the region's rich history for generations to come. Stay tuned for updates on this remarkable archaeological exhibition!
- The 2026 exhibition, set in the forest of Schandorf, will immerse visitors in a combination of history and modern education within a colossal concrete dome, mirroring a tumulus.
- Burgenland, with its nearly 300 tumuli and expected 400 more to be discovered, serves as a fascinating archaeological landscape spanning from ancient times to the Roman Empire.
- Governor Doskozil's vision for Schandorf is a space where history comes alive, using advanced techniques like the "Pneumatic-Wedge-Method" and enhancing the visitor experience with innovative and sustainable tourism strategies.
- Schandorf, equipped with state-of-the-art technical equipment as part of ArcheoROUTE, offers more than just ancient tombs, boasting Roman-era ruins, medieval architectural relics, and authentic artifacts from the Hallstatt culture to support a unique lifestyle and garden.
