The Late Palaeolithic campsite at Nebra (ca. 15,000 years old) as well as multiple finds from the Stone Age, Bronze Age and other periods show that the area around Nebra and Mittelberg hill has been a location of human settlement since time immemorial. Evidence of Homo erectus found at the location of the visitors' centre indicates that the first humans settled here 400,000 years ago.
In about 1600 B.C. people of the Bronze Age buried the bronze Sky Disc on Mittelberg hill outside of Wangen. Some 3,600 years later it was wrested from the ground by treasure seekers. Since then, this key find for archaeology, astronomy and the history of religion has attracted a great deal of international attention. In response to the worldwide interest in the Sky Disc and the site of its discovery, a multimedia visitors' centre was opened at the Mittelberg in June 2007. Designed by the Swiss architectural firm of Holzer and Kobler, the remarkable building takes the form of a floating golden barque, drawn from the ship element in the image on the Sky Disc.
The barque houses a presentation as unique as the Nebra Sky Disc itself. It is an extraordinary way, which allows you to experience the turbulent history of the discovery and securing of the unique treasure trove and follow the archaeologists as they comb the site. Elaborate exhibits invite you to solve the riddle of the oldest known depiction of the heavens and get to the bottom of the mystery of its use and burial. In an impressive planetarium show you can follow the trail of the stars and sail across the firmament in the sun-ship. The astonishing astronomical knowledge held by people of 3,600 years ago will alter your picture of Bronze Age humanity. Changing special presentations offer insights into fascinating cultural, astronomical and natural subjects.
The centre's catering area features a hill terrace offering a unique panorama view of the picturesque Unstrut river valley. You will be spoiled with delicacies from the region and a selection of fine cakes. This exclusive venue can also be booked for conferences, congresses, company presentations and private festivities. The centre can accommodate any such event with ideal facilities and delicious buffets.
On the plateau of the Mittelberg, surrounded by unspoiled nature, an extraordinary landscape design frames the discovery site, creating a superb setting in which to sense its special aura. The 30m-high peak of a colossal sundial affords splendid views to Brocken Mountain and the storied Kyffhäuser range. From this vantage point, the sight-axes fixed in the design of the Sky Disc become visible. One look into the "Celestial Eye" placed at the exact location of the disc's discovery lays the firmament at your feet. The landscaping heightens the atmospheric quality of the site, and with it the visitor's experience.
If your visit whets your appetite for more archaeology and astronomy, you can deepen your knowledge by taking part in workshops, seminars, excursions and celestial observations on the Mittelberg. Details on all of these offerings will soon be available on the event calendars of this website and the Nebra Ark.
Opening hours of Nebra visitors' centre:
April to October, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
November to March, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
open on holidays,
closed on Mondays and 24th December
Contact with the location of Nebra (Wangen):
Nebra Ark – Experience the Sky Disc
An der Steinklöbe 16
06642 Wangen
phone: 034461 - 25520
fax: 034461 - 25365
www.himmelsscheibe-erleben.de
info(at)himmelsscheibe-erleben.de
