Cornelia Ostler - From Treasure Hunter’s Daughter to Explorer – How My Father Inspired My Journey

Treasure hunting has been a part of my life since childhood. My father, Reinhold Ostler, was one of Germany’s most well-known treasure hunters, the author of several books, and a man full of curiosity, courage, and a true explorer’s spirit. As a child, I watched him study historical maps, follow old clues, and speak passionately about his projects. Even though I lost him far too early, his enthusiasm for searching, researching, and discovering has remained a part of me.

Many years later, I now honour and continue his life’s work. In 2023, I re-released his most popular book, the Handbuch für Schatzsucher (Treasure Hunter’s Handbook). It was important to me to preserve his knowledge, stories and inspiration for the next generation of explorers.

For many years now, I have been searching intensively around Lake Walchensee – and for other major treasures that my father once researched. After work, I find peace and balance in the fields, meadows, and forests. Out there, where everything becomes quiet, you can hear the ground speak and you can feel history beneath your feet. For me, treasure hunting is not just about finding metal. It is about nature, patience, and uncovering traces of the past. Every discovery tells a story – and sometimes it feels as if it brings me a little closer to my father.

I want to inspire people to step outside, be curious, and develop an eye for the hidden stories around them. There are still so many treasures lying beneath the surface, waiting to be found – big or small, historically valuable or simply meaningful.

Minelab has been a loyal companion and sponsor for many years. Their detectors have taken my searches to a new level: precise, reliable, and incredibly powerful. I am truly grateful for the wonderful cooperation and the support that allows me to pursue my passion with both professionalism and joy.

Today, I share my adventures on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook – not only to showcase finds, but to encourage others to look at the world with curiosity and maybe start their own treasure hunting journey. Because adventure is everywhere — you just have to start looking for it.

Cornelia is part of Team Minelab - our community of explorers, creators and detectorists across Europe who share their discoveries and passion for the hobby.

If you’d like to join the community or learn more about becoming part of Team Minelab, you can find all the details here: https://content.minelab.com/en/team-minelab-eu