Nature & natural history museums in Baden-Württemberg

Affenberg Salem, located west of Salem in the Bodenseekreis, is Germany's largest monkey open-air enclosure. This unique zoo offers visitors the opportunity to observe nearly 200 Barbary macaques in a natural forest setting. The park is designed to allow visitors to move along fixed paths through the forest, without any separating grids or trenches shielding them from the animals.

Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden is a zoological-botanical garden in Stuttgart that is located on the grounds of a historic castle. The Wilhelmina zoo and Botanical Garden covers an area of about 30 hectares and is home to 11,500 animals from around the world that represent 1,200 species and featur

The Museum Natur und Mensch, located in Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, is a natural history museum. It was established in the year 1895, making it a long-standing institution in the region. Visitors can expect to explore a wide range of exhibits related to natural history.

The Karlsruhe Zoo, also known as Zoologischer Garten Karlsruhe, is a renowned zoo located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, in the city of Karlsruhe. It is a significant attraction for tourists who are interested in wildlife and nature.

Over the years, Heidelberg Zoo has expanded its facilities to include a variety of new enclosures. These include a sea lion enclosure added in 1973, an Africa enclosure in 1977, a carnivore enclosure in 1978, a brown bear enclosure in 1981, a bird enclosure in 1985, a primate enclosure in 1988, and a new tiger enclosure among other additions. These diverse habitats provide visitors with the opportunity to observe a wide range of animal species in environments designed to mimic their natural habitats.

Steinen Bird Park is nestled in the South Black Forest, specifically in a valley basin within the municipality of Steinen. It is situated between the districts of Schlächtenhaus and Weitenau. This location offers a serene and natural environment that is perfect for bird watching and nature exploration.

The Tiergarten Ulm, a zoological facility in the city of Ulm, has a rich history dating back to 1935. It was temporarily closed in 1944, only to be reopened in 1966. This long-standing establishment offers a unique blend of history and wildlife, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

Wildparadies Tripsdrill is a wildlife park located in Treffentrill, Baden-Württemberg. It was established in 1972 and has since been a standalone facility that was created alongside the Tripsdrill Adventure Park. The park is home to 300 animals, including bears, monkeys, goats, sheep, zebras, and ponies. The park is primarily forested and covers an area of 47 hectares.

The Bad Mergentheim Wildlife Park is a wildlife and pet park located in Bad Mergentheim in the Main-Tauber district in Baden-Württemberg. The park is situated on a hill in the forest about 1.5 kilometers southeast of Bad Mergentheim on the B 290. This location provides a natural and serene environment for the animals and a unique experience for the visitors.

The Schwarzwaldzoo Waldkirch is a spacious zoo, covering an area of about five hectares. It is home to approximately 55 different species of animals, offering a diverse range of wildlife for visitors to observe and learn about.

Leintalzoo, located in Schwaigern, is a small privately-run zoo that offers visitors a chance to see around 40 different species in a natural park setting. The zoo focuses on the care and rehabilitation of neglected animals, making it a unique destination for animal lovers. It is home to approximately 250 animals, including four species of primates with nearly 50 individuals. The zoo is visited by 50,000 people annually, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Founded in 1968, Wildpark Pforzheim is a large wildlife park that spans over 16.5 hectares. It is home to more than 400 mammals, fish, and birds across 70 different species. This diverse range of wildlife offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe and learn about various animals in their natural habitats.

The State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe, also known as SMNK, is one of the two state-owned natural history museums in Baden-Württemberg. It is a significant repository for state-owned natural history collections, making it a key location for those interested in natural history. The museum is well-known for its comprehensive exhibitions that cover all aspects of natural history.

The Oberes Schloss Singen, also known as Schloss Singen or Enzenbergsches Schloss, is a significant historical site located in the city of Singen. It is situated in close proximity to the town hall, in the district of Konstanz in Baden-Württemberg. This castle offers a glimpse into the rich history and architectural grandeur of the region.

The Urwelt-Museum Hauff in Holzmaden is a unique destination for those interested in paleontology and geology. The museum showcases a vast collection of fossils from the Posidonia Shale Formation of the Swabian Alb. These fossils provide a glimpse into the prehistoric era and offer valuable insights into the evolution of life on Earth.

The Naturpark Stromberg-Heuchelberg is characterized by two prominent ridges, Stromberg and Heuchelberg. Geologically, it is part of the Keuperbergland. The southern slopes of the Stromberg are particularly suitable for viticulture, making it a potential point of interest for wine enthusiasts visiting the park.

The Muschelkalkmuseum Hagdorn is a geological and paleontological museum situated in Ingelfingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It offers a unique insight into the Triassic period in Central Europe, a time when subtropical conditions prevailed. The museum is home to fossil remains of ancient marine life such as sea lilies and armored amphibians, primarily from Germany, France, and Poland.

The Meteorkratermuseum, situated in the district of Sontheim in Steinheim am Albuch, is a natural history museum that focuses on the Steinheimer Becken meteorite crater. This unique museum is one of the few worldwide that is dedicated to meteorite craters, making it a special destination for those interested in natural history and space phenomena.

The main exhibit of the Urmensch-Museum is a replica of the Homo steinheimensis skull. This skull was discovered in 1933 in Steinheim and is estimated to be about 400,000 years old. It provides a fascinating insight into the life of early humans.

The Bodensee-Naturmuseum is the natural history museum of the city of Constance. It is situated in the building of the Sea-Life-Center, which is conveniently located near the Swiss border. This makes it an accessible destination for tourists visiting the region.

The Botanical Garden of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is not just a place of beauty, but also a hub for research and teaching. One of its core tasks is the preservation of endangered plant species. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in botany and conservation efforts.

The Deutsche Greifenwarte at Burg Guttenberg in the Haßmersheim district of Neckarmühlbach presents birds of prey in aviaries and during flight demonstrations, making it a tourist attraction in its region. Visitors can enjoy a close encounter with these magnificent creatures, learn about their habits, and witness their impressive flight skills during the demonstrations.

Tierpark Oberwald, a part of the Karlsruhe Zoo, is situated in the Oberwald recreational forest. This location is freely accessible and conveniently located adjacent to the main train station. This makes it an easy and convenient destination for tourists who are looking to explore the local wildlife.

Tierpark Nymphaea is a zoo situated on the Neckar Island in Esslingen am Neckar. This location provides a unique setting for the zoo, surrounded by the natural beauty of the island and the Neckar river. It's an ideal place for tourists who enjoy nature and wildlife.

Wildpark Josefslust is a part of the Sigmaringen Forest, a vast forest area located in Oberschwaben. This forest stretches from Meßkirch to Mengen, making it a significant part of the region's natural landscape. Visitors to the park can enjoy the beauty of this expansive forest, which offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural environment of Oberschwaben.

The State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart (SMNS) consists of two museums located in the Stuttgart Rosenstein Park, which combine exhibition and research activities. While the Museum Schloss Rosenstein is dedicated to biology, the focus of the Museum am Löwentor lies on paleontology and geology.

The Urgeschichtliche Museum (URMU) in Blaubeuren, Germany, is a specialized museum focusing on artifacts, musical instruments, and everyday objects from Paleolithic hunter-gatherers. This museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the lives of early humans, exploring their tools, art, and daily objects. The museum's collection offers a comprehensive view of the Paleolithic era, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and curious tourists alike.

MiMa, located in Oberwolfach in the central Black Forest of southern Germany, is a unique museum that combines the fields of mineralogy and mathematics. This distinctive blend reflects the region's rich mineral resources and the knowledge of the Mathematics Research Institute, Oberwolfach.

The Naturschutzzentrum Schopflocher Alb (NAZ) is a significant nature conservation center located in Baden-Württemberg. It was established in 1994 as a foundation under civil law. The center is one of seven public nature conservation centers in the region, making it a notable destination for those interested in nature conservation and environmental education.

The Baisingen Synagogue, nestled in a district of Rottenburg am Neckar, is a significant historical site. It is recognized as one of the best-preserved rural synagogues in Germany. Today, it serves as a museum, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rich Jewish history of the region. The museum is diligently maintained by a support association, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The Naturkundemuseum Reutlingen is situated in a charming half-timbered house, adjacent to the Marienkirche in the historic old town of Reutlingen. This location not only offers a unique setting for the museum but also places it in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible for tourists.

The Markgräfler Museum is a regional museum located in Müllheim in the Markgräflerland, a city within the district of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is the largest museum between Freiburg im Breisgau and the agglomeration of Basel Lörrach in the tri-border area. The museum has two locations: the Blankenhorn Palace and the Frick Mill.

The Urweltmuseum Aalen holds the distinction of being the largest municipal museum for geology and paleontology in Baden-Württemberg. This makes it a significant destination for those interested in these fields, offering a wealth of information and exhibits that delve into the earth's ancient past.

The Carl-Schweizer-Museum is the result of the collecting passion of four generations of the Schweizer family of taxidermists. They have been based in Murrhardt for over 100 years and have created a private museum that is important for the entire region of the Swabian-Franconian Forest Mountains and the Rems-Murr district in the northeast of Stuttgart.

Der Kleine Tierpark Göppingen is a quaint zoo located in Göppingen, specifically at Lorcher Straße 99. It is situated on the B 297 road that leads to Bartenbach. This location is easily accessible and provides a convenient destination for tourists looking for a day of fun and learning about various animal species.

Waldhaus Freiburg is an environmental education facility located in Freiburg im Breisgau. It was established in 2005 as a means to compensate for the loss of approximately 23 hectares of forest due to the construction of the Eichelbuck landfill in 1970. The facility aims to educate people about the ecosystem of the forest and promote sustainable use of forests.

The Altes Lager is open to the public daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Visitors can access the site via a foot and bike path that was opened in 2019. This path connects the Altes Lager to the Swabian Alb biosphere area and the former military training area, offering a unique opportunity to explore the region's natural and historical attractions.

Brenz Castle, a Renaissance castle, is situated in the Brenz an der Brenz borough of Sontheim in the Heidenheim district of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This historical structure offers a glimpse into the architectural style of the Renaissance period and is a significant landmark in the region.

The Auberlehaus is a historic building located in Trossingen, which is home to a museum that showcases several significant exhibits. This museum is a testament to the rich history and culture of the region, offering visitors a chance to delve into the past and gain a deeper understanding of the area's heritage.

The Laichinger Tiefenhöhle is a unique attraction in Germany, being the only shaft cave in the country that has been developed into a show cave. Visitors can descend up to 55 meters below the earth's surface, making it one of the deepest show caves in Germany. This provides a unique opportunity to explore the underground world and learn about the geological features of the area.

The Museum im Ritterhaus, located in Offenburg, Baden-Württemberg, is a historical institution that was inaugurated in 1900. It was originally established by Carl Frowin Mayer as a 'Museum for Natural and Ethnology'. This museum offers a deep dive into the natural and ethnological aspects of the region, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in these fields.

The Steinzeitmuseum Korb-Kleinheppach is a museum situated in Kleinheppach, a part of the municipality of Korb in the Rems-Murr district. It is home to one of the most significant private collections of Stone Age artifacts in Baden-Württemberg. The museum's collection is primarily composed of findings from amateur researcher Eugen Reinhard, whose discoveries mostly come from the vicinity of the museum.

The Museum im Seelhaus, located in Bopfingen in the Ostalbkreis, serves as the city's museum. It is home to a variety of archaeological exhibits from the region, providing visitors with a glimpse into the area's rich history. Additionally, the museum features an exhibition dedicated to the history of the city itself, offering a comprehensive overview of Bopfingen's past.

The museum's collection was diverse and related to Lake Constance and its coastal landscapes. It included antiquities and natural history objects of all kinds, such as maps, city plans, pictures and photographs, coats of arms and seals, coins and documents from Lake Constance.