Legal provision for handling metal detectors
Important and up front, this is NOT legal advice and this list is neither complete nor free from doubt. It is intended as a guideline for all interested metal detectorists & local historians.
All information has been compiled to the best of my knowledge, if anyone finds an error, has comments or improvements, please let me know.
Basics:
By federal state
Legal basis
Responsible authorities
Regional contacts
Search areas
Prohibited areas
Permitted areas
Dealing with finds
In the case of ground monuments
For other finds
Best practices
Important information
All information has been compiled to the best of my knowledge, if anyone finds an error, has comments or improvements, please let me know.
Basics:
By federal state
Probing in Bavaria
Bavaria occupies a special position in Germany: It is the only federal state that does not require a general permit for metal detector searches. Nevertheless, there are important rules and obligations to observe.
At a glance
Bavaria occupies a special position in Germany: It is the only federal state that does not require a general permit for metal detector searches. Nevertheless, there are important rules and obligations to observe.
At a glance
- Permit requirement: No (exception: ground monuments)
- Property permit: Yes, always required
- Obligation to report finds: Yes, for ground monuments
- Treasure register: Since July 1, 2023
Legal basis
- Bavarian Monument Protection Act (BayDSchG)
- No general authorization requirement for Metalldetektoren
- Obligation to report finds of ground monuments (Art. 8 Para. 1 DSchG)
- Site must remain unchanged for one week
Responsible authorities
- Bavarian State Office for the Preservation of Monuments (BLFD)
- Hofgraben 4
- 80539 Munich
- P.O. Box 10 02 03
- 80076 Munich
- Tel: (089) 21 14 - 0
- E-mail: [email protected]
Regional contacts
- Upper Bavaria, Lower Bavaria, Swabia:
- Dr. Sabine Mayer
- Tel: 0941 595748-16
- Franconia and Upper Palatinate:
- Dr. Ralf Obst
- Tel: 0951 4095-46
Search areas
Prohibited areas
- Listed ground monuments
- Suspected ground monuments
- Nature conservation areas
- Private land without permission
Permitted areas
- Fields (with owner permission)
- Public areas (by arrangement)
- Forest areas (with forestry office approval)
Dealing with finds
In the case of ground monuments
- Immediately report to BLFD or Lower Monument Protection Authority
- Leave the site unchanged for one week
- Precise documentation of the site
- No further excavations at the site
For other finds
- Documentation recommended
- Observe property rights
- Voluntary reporting possible
Best practices
- Obtain property permission in writing
- Keep a digital finds diary
- GPS documentation of the sites
- Regular contact with the BLFD
- Participation in archaeological projects
Important information
- Strict rules apply despite the absence of a permit requirement
- In case of uncertainty: contact BLFD
- Be careful with suspected ground monuments
- Documentation is important for research
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