The museum includes a rare 16th-century residential farmhouse which is one of the oldest preserved timber-framed structures in the region.
The village school on site was functional until the mid-20th century and contains original period-accurate teaching equipment.
The museum curates a collection of historic agricultural machinery, including early threshing machines and steam-powered equipment.
Many of the buildings feature 'Rauchhäuser' (smoke houses), which lack a chimney and instead directed smoke through the attic space to preserve meat.
The site maintains traditional cottage gardens that cultivate historical vegetable and medicinal plant varieties common to the area.
Oberschwäbisches Museumsdorf Kürnbach is an open-air museum in Upper Swabia dedicated to preserving rural building culture from the 16th to the 20th century. It features over 30 original historical buildings relocated from the surrounding region to the Bad Schussenried site. The collection includes residential houses, barns, craft workshops, and a historical village school. A primary focus is the representation of traditional agricultural life and technical tools used in Swabian farming. The museum grounds are arranged to simulate a historical village structure complete with gardens and orchards. It hosts live demonstrations of traditional crafts and rural customs throughout the season. The site also functions as a center for the conservation of regional timber-frame architecture.
The central village green, which provides a panoramic view of the diverse timber-framed facades.
Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes as the paths between buildings are mostly unpaved or gravel.
Plan your visit to coincide with one of their traditional 'Handwerkertage' (craft days) for live demonstrations.
Bring sun protection and water, as much of the museum area is exposed with limited indoor shade during the summer.
Do not attempt to visit in winter, as the open-air site is largely closed to the public outside of the primary operating season.
The museum is a seasonal attraction that typically closes during the winter months from November through March.
Avoid touching historical displays or entering buildings unless clearly marked as accessible for visitors.
