Step back in time at Carnuntum, Austria's impressive Roman archaeological park, where reconstructed buildings bring ancient Rome to life.
In this photo-filled guide, I'll share everything you need to know - from how to get there to ticket prices.
🧭 Top Carnuntum Tours:
- 8 Days Cycling from Vienna to Budapest Tour (with a stop in Carnuntum on Day 3)
- Day Trip Tour from Vienna to Carnuntum (with Private Driver)
- Carnuntum Admission Ticket (to purchase online in advance)
🛏️ Recommended Hotels Nearby:
- Altes Kloster (Upscale Monastery Accommodation)
- Hotel Restaurant Stöckl (Casual Hotel Room Options)
🚗 We suggest that you rent a car and drive around the countryside to get the most out of your trip to the area.
Jump to:
What is Carnuntum?
Carnuntum, also better known as Petronell-Carnuntum, was an important military camp that evolved into a municipality and colony later on.
The area was then called Pannonia until the Huns took it over. Initially, it was the main defense barrier of the northeast of the Roman Empire.
At its peak, this city had over 50000 inhabitants (another former similar Roman city that comes to my mind is Ptuj in Slovenia).
Even the famous emperor, Marcus Aurelius, spent time in Carnuntum, where he completed his book the “Meditations”.
Today, the sight consists of the main archaeological Carnuntum sight, which is a ruin that was reconstructed. This sight is an interactive area where visitors can experience Roman life.
Other Roman, and probably older, landmarks can be visited nearby as well, such as the Pagan Gate and the Amphitheater.
Photos & Aesthetics
My wife had been talking about visiting this place for years, and honestly, I wasn't disappointed.
Soak in the aesthetics, but I definitely recommend visiting Carnuntum, as it's much more complex than what you can see in the pictures!
Opening Times, Cost, Getting There
You can visit Carnuntum from Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm, from mid-March to mid-November.
The prices vary, with tickets starting at €13 per adult. Kids below the age of 11 are free; from 11 to 14 years, it's €6 per child, and young adults, 15 to 18 years, pay €11 entry.
The entrance includes the archeological site of Carnuntum, the amphitheater, and the museum in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg.
From Vienna by Car: Take the A4 highway from Vienna. The drive is about 50 minutes long. For the highway in Austria, you will need a Vignette.
From Vienna by Train: You can catch a direct train connection from Vienna Central to the Petronell-Carnuntum railway station. From the station to the exhibition center, it's an easy 15-minute walk.
To move between sites because the extra ruined sites are scattered around the Carnuntum main exhibition center, you will need to get separate transport.
Others are nearby, such as the Pagan Gate, and can be visited on foot or by cycle. The amphitheater in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg is a train station away or a 5-minute car drive from Petronell-Carnuntum.
Tips for Your Visit
- The exhibition descriptions are in German, English, and Hungarian.
- Most areas are wheelchair accessible and descriptions are in Braille.
- Get a rental car or hire a cycle to get to the other locations nearby. I highly recommend a visit to the pagan gate and the Roman Amphitheater.
- Look out for unique souvenirs and gift ideas from the Carnuntum Souvenir Shop
- Visit during the Gladiator day, the 25th May 2025, or take part in a Roman Soirée. They organize special events and experiences at the main sight.
- You can book private guided tours in your language in advance.
Important Historical Importance of Carnuntum
At the Emperor's Conference in Carnuntum on 11 November 308 A.D., Galerius, Maximinus, Licinius, and Constantinus were appointed co-rulers, shaping world-changing policies. Galerius ended Christian persecution, granting religious freedom. A monument at Carnuntum honors this event, symbolizing the unity of the Eastern and Western Roman Empires.
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