Bärnau-Tachov History Park

Construction of a replica of a Castle using Medieval Techniques

The Bärnau-Tachov History Park,
located in Bärnau, Bavaria, is
Germany's most extensive medieval
archaeological open-air museum,
offering visitors an immersive
journey through the Middle Ages.
The park contains two reconstructed settlements from the 9th and the 14th centuries, providing a tangible and vivid portrayal of life during these periods. Through a combination of authentic architecture, interactive exhibits, and live demonstrations, the park brings to life the daily experiences, crafts, and traditions of medieval communities.

Since 2017, it has also become home to an ambitious experimental construction site—the recreation of a late medieval castle residence, based on historical plans of Kaiser Karl IV’s 14th-century travel residences along the Goldene Straße (Golden Road) This route was an important medieval trade and travel corridor connecting Prague and Nuremberg, facilitating commerce and cultural exchange across Central Europe. Emperor Karl IV (1316–1378), one of the most influential rulers of the Middle Ages, served as both the King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor. This route not only enhanced trade but also symbolised the interconnectedness of European regions during the medieval period. The castle reconstruction at Bärnau-Tachov History Park draws inspiration from the architectural styles and construction methods prevalent during Karl IV's era, offering insights into the strategic and residential edifices that dotted this historic route. Operated by the non-profit association Via Carolina – Goldene Straße e.V., the Bärnau-Tachov History Park serves as a bridge between past and present, encouraging a more in depth understanding of medieval life and the lasting impact of Emperor Karl IV in medieval German history.

Training Course description

This training course provides a unique opportunity to actively participate in the construction process of a 14th-century castle replica, gaining hands-on experience in historical building techniques under the supervision of specialists in stonemasonry, timber construction, and medieval resource management. The participants will engage in traditional stone working methods, including splitting granite blocks using wedges, tooling ashlar stones, and setting them with a medieval crane. They will learn the formulation and application of traditional lime mortars, developing an understanding of historical binders and their role in medieval masonry. Additionally, the training will include timber hewing, where participants will work with greenwood tree trunks, using hand tools to shape beams for structural components. The educational programme complements the hands-on work with in-depth theoretical sessions on historical construction methods, medieval material science, and conservation ethics. Participants will explore the environmental impact of pre-industrial construction, particularly focusing on the concept of embodied energy, the way in which medieval building relied exclusively on renewable materials and manual labour, in contrast to today’s fossil-fuel-driven construction industry.

REQUIREMENTS: CV, Motivation Letter and interview

ACCOMMODATION: shared camping tents with beds (Medieval setting), warm showers and toilets.

LOCATION: Bärnau, Bavaria