Short Info:
- What is exhibited at the Prehistoric Museum Nussdorf? Archaeological finds from the Traisental.
- Where is the museum located? 1, 3134 Nussdorf ob der Traisen (slightly southeast of Krems)
- What is the highlight? A mammoth tusk.
- When is it open and how much does admission cost? April to October 31, daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
- How much time should one plan for a visit? 30 minutes.
Highlights of the Museum
The Prehistoric Museum Nussdorf exhibits archaeological finds from the Traisental. The collection includes finds from the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman period, and Early Middle Ages. This museums most important exhibits include a mammoth tusk, the largest found in Lower Austria, a bronze weapon from the Hallstatt period, and a Roman tombstone.
Why a Museum in Traisental?
The Traisental, a charming wine and cycling region in the Mostviertel near the Danube, is one of Austria’s most significant archaeological sites. About 30,000 years ago, during the era of the mammoth hunters, people roamed this area, which was geographically and historically as significant during prehistoric times as Carnuntum was during the Roman era.
Particularly impressive insights are gained into life in the Traisental during the Bronze Age, about 4,000 years ago. Here, the largest burial sites in Central Europe were uncovered near Nussdorf in Franzhausen. Over 2,300 graves were examined by scientists, bringing to light valuable grave goods and providing important insights into the lifestyle of the people of that time. The most fascinating finds are now on display at the Prehistoric Museum Nussdorf-Traisental.
This Prehistoric Museum is also known for its landmark: a life-size mammoth, weighing 33 tons, hand-carved by Thomas Kosma, a sculptor from Klosterneuburg. Oldest exhibit in the museum is a mammoth tusk, which at 3.3 meters long is the largest found in Lower Austria. Another highlight is the oldest grape seed ever discovered in the Traisental. In the Prehistoric Museum, a 100-fold enlargement of this 4,000-year-old grape seed made of clay and plaster is on display, proving that people in the Traisental appreciated grapes and used them as grave goods as early as the Bronze Age.