Nature & natural history museums in Bavaria

Designed by Agostino Barelli, the name of this palace literally translates as the Castle of the Nymphs. When the Bavarian royalty in the 17th century wanted to take a summer break, they would go to the Nymphenburg Palace. Today, it is open to the public and home to several historical museums. You ca

Tierpark Hellabrunn or the Hellabrunn Zoo in Munich was founded in 1911 and is home to around 15.000 animals relating to 665 species (including the aquarium). This zoo in Munich is divided into 15 themes. It was the first Geo-zoo, where animals from every continent live together. The park is situate

The Haus der Berge in Berchtesgaden serves as the central information and education center of the Berchtesgaden National Park. It provides visitors with comprehensive information about the park and its diverse ecosystems. The center also offers educational programs aimed at promoting understanding and appreciation of the natural environment.

The House of Mountains, located in Berchtesgaden, serves as the central information and education center of the Berchtesgaden National Park. It provides visitors with a wealth of information about the park, its flora and fauna, and the various activities available within the park. The center is designed to be accessible and informative, making it a valuable resource for anyone planning to explore the park.

Nuremberg Zoo (Tiergarten Nürnberg) is a zoo in Nuremberg, in the Nuremberg Reichswald (the Imperial Forest) that covers an area of 67 hectares and is home to approximately 300 animal species. The zoo is one of the largest zoos in Europe.

A theme park that tries to cater to everyone - from the children to the grandparents. Lots of fun rides and a small zoo.

Augsburg Zoo, situated in the city of Augsburg in Bavaria, Germany, is one of the country's largest zoos, attracting over 600,000 visitors each year. This makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, offering a wide range of animals and exhibits to explore.

The Botanische Garten Augsburg is home to an impressive variety of plant species. It hosts over a million species of Alliaceae, a family of plants that includes onions, garlic, and leeks, among others. In addition, the garden features about 3100 species and varieties of different plants. This diversity makes the garden a fascinating place for botany enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The Straubing Zoo, located in the western part of the city of Straubing, is a diverse wildlife sanctuary. It is home to over 2000 individuals from approximately 200 species. The zoo's inhabitants include a wide range of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. This variety of species makes the zoo a fascinating destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Wildpark Poing is a wildlife park situated in the municipality of Poing. The park primarily showcases a variety of native European wild and domestic animals. It provides an opportunity for visitors to observe these animals up close in their natural habitat.

Opened in 1981, the Aromagarten Erlangen was the first garden of its kind in the world. It covers an impressive area of 8,900 m² and houses about 120 native and foreign aromatic plants. These plants are used for medicinal purposes, as spices, and in cosmetic preparations. The garden offers a unique opportunity to learn about these plants and their uses.

The Zoologischer Garten Hof, located in the northeastern part of the city, is the only zoo in Oberfranken. It is home to the Geological Garden of the city of Hof, offering a unique combination of zoological and geological attractions. The zoo is situated near the Bürgerpark Theresienstein, Botanical Garden, Luitpoldhain, and cemetery, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the area.

The Wildpark Klaushof is a wildlife park nestled in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Rhön in Bavaria. It is situated approximately four kilometers northwest of Bad Kissingen, making it a convenient destination for nature enthusiasts visiting the area. The park offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of the region in a serene and natural setting.

The Natural History Museum in Bamberg, Germany, is a historic institution that dates back to 1791. It was established by Prince-Bishop Franz Ludwig von Erthal and is housed in the historic rooms of the Jesuit College in the island city. This location adds a unique charm to the museum, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in natural history and historic architecture.

The Zeidelmuseum, established in 1986, is a beekeeping museum situated in the former Hutzlerhaus in Feucht. This location was chosen due to Feucht's historical significance as a center for beekeeping since the Middle Ages. The museum offers a unique insight into the history and techniques of beekeeping, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history, nature, and beekeeping.

The Zwiesel Forest Museum, located at Kirchplatz 3 in Zwiesel, is a cultural and natural history museum. It is situated in the Lower Bavarian district of Regen, offering visitors a unique insight into the region's rich cultural and natural history.

The Fränkische Schweiz-Museum (FSMT) in Tüchersfeld is a regional museum that offers a comprehensive overview of the Franconian Switzerland. The museum is spread over 43 rooms and covers approximately 800 m² of exhibition space. It provides a deep insight into the region's history, culture, and natural beauty.

The Museum Terra Triassica in Euerdorf, Unterfranken, is a unique institution that offers a deep dive into the geological history of the Germanic Triassic of the Central European Basin. Visitors can explore the fascinating world of the Triassic period, which spanned from 252.5 to 201.5 million years ago, and learn about the various geological transformations that occurred during this time.

The Franz Marc Museum is situated in the scenic town of Kochel am See in Upper Bavaria. The museum is dedicated to the life and works of the renowned German Expressionist painter, Franz Marc. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Marc's art, gaining a deeper understanding of his unique style and the Expressionist movement.

The Museum Salz & Moor is a unique blend of technology and natural history, situated in the scenic locale of Grassau in Upper Bavaria. It offers a fascinating insight into the region's rich history and natural wonders, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in both technology and nature.

The Forstmuseum Waldpavillon is a museum dedicated to the functions and tasks of the Augsburg city forest. It is operated by the city forestry administration of Augsburg and is situated in the Hochfeld district. The museum is easily accessible and is located near the parking lot of the Bezirkssportanlage Süd on Ilsungstraße, not far from the Siebentischanlagen and the Zoological Garden.

The Museum für Ur- und Frühgeschichte is an archaeological museum situated in the Willibaldsburg in Eichstätt, Upper Bavaria. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in archaeology and history, offering a comprehensive view of the region's development from the Stone Age to the Early Middle Ages.

This is not an ordinary Zoo - animals living in the area are presented in a large, easily walkable area.

The Olching Bird Park is situated 20 kilometers west of Munich, covering a vast area of 20,000 square meters. This expansive space provides ample room for the park's diverse bird population and allows visitors to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the park.

The Sichtungsgarten Weihenstephan is a botanical garden that spans over 7 hectares. It is dedicated to the exhibition and study of woody and shrubby plants. The garden is affiliated with the "Fachhochschule Weihenstephan", a university of applied sciences.

Vogelpark Abensberg is a privately operated small zoo located in Abensberg, in the district of Kelheim, Bavaria. This unique park offers a chance to explore a diverse range of bird species in a natural setting.

Bergtierpark Blindham is a privately run zoo situated in Blindham, a district of Aying in the extreme southeast of the Munich district. This location offers a unique experience for visitors who are interested in exploring a diverse range of domestic and wild animal species in a natural environment.

The Bayerwald-Tierpark Lohberg is a wildlife park situated in the Bavarian Forest in Lohberg, in the Upper Palatinate region of Germany. This location is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

The Jura Museum Eichstätt is a natural history museum that is part of the network of the State Natural Science Collections of Bavaria. It is located on the Willibaldsburg, a hilltop site above the Altmühltal. This location offers visitors not only a chance to explore the museum's collections but also to enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscape.

The Rehmuseum, located in Berchtesgaden, is a unique institution dedicated to the exhibition of deer trophies and the documentation of deer habitats. The museum is housed in the former stables opposite the Royal Palace and is owned by the Wittelbacher Ausgleichsfonds. The collection, which provides a fascinating insight into the life and environment of deer, was painstakingly assembled by Albrecht Duke of Bavaria.

Kleinzoo Wasserstern is a zoo located in the Bavarian city of Ingolstadt. It was founded and is operated by an association of the same name. This zoo offers a unique opportunity to explore a variety of animals in a well-maintained environment.

The Botanical Garden of the city of Hof is a municipal botanical garden that offers a unique experience to its visitors. It is divided into 32 different quarters, each representing a landscape replica from various continents. This allows visitors to experience a variety of natural environments without leaving the garden.

The Ecological Botanical Garden of Bayreuth, also known as Ökologisch-Botanischer Garten der Universität Bayreuth or ÖBG, is a large botanical garden spanning 16 hectares. It is affiliated with the University of Bayreuth, a renowned institution in Germany. The garden is located in the southern part of the city of Bayreuth and the University of Bayreuth.

Located in the Nymphenburg Castle, the Museum Mensch und Natu is dedicated to natural history. Walk through its interactive exhibits, see life-sized replicas and marvel at its highlight "JJ1", alias Bruno the Bear - the first brown bear to appear in the country after almost 200 years.

Museum Bergér is a unique destination for those interested in paleontology and geology. It is situated in Harthof, a part of the Upper Bavarian municipality of Schernfeld in the Eichstätt district. This location offers a serene and picturesque environment that enhances the overall experience of the museum visit.

The Naturkunde und Mammut Museum Siegsdorf is a unique institution that specializes in geology, paleontology, and Ice Age finds. The museum's focus is on the last 250 million years, providing a comprehensive understanding of the geological formation and the flora and fauna of the Ice Ages. It offers a deep dive into the history of the region, making it an interesting destination for those interested in natural history and the evolution of life on Earth.

The German Continental Deep Drilling Programme, also known as the KTB borehole, is a significant scientific project that took place from 1987 to 1995 near Windischeschenbach, Bavaria. The project's main achievement was the drilling of a super-deep borehole that reached a depth of 9,101 meters into the Earth's continental crust. This feat of engineering and scientific exploration offers a unique insight into the Earth's geology and is a key point of interest for visitors to the area.

The Vogel- und Tierpark Irgenöd, located on the northeastern outskirts of Ortenburg in the Lower Bavarian district of Passau, is a notable destination for animal and nature lovers. The park was built by Erich Schobesberger as a bird park and was opened to the public in 1975. It offers a unique opportunity to explore a variety of bird and animal species in a natural setting.

The Haus im Moos in Kleinhohenried is a unique combination of a museum, educational center, and conference facility. Opened in 1998, it offers a rich insight into the history and culture of the Donaumoos region. The museum documents the struggle of the colonists for the drainage and cultivation of the moor, which began in the late 18th century. It is an ideal destination for those interested in history, culture, and nature.

Sea Life Munich is one of eight Sea Life Centers in Germany. It was opened in 2006 and depicts life in the Isar and the Danube to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. In over 33 basins with 700,000 liters of water around 3,000 sea creatures are held relating to 150 species. A ten meter long unde

The Museum Bayerisches Vogtland, located in Hof (Saale), is a cultural and natural history museum. It offers a rich collection of exhibits that cover a wide range of historical themes, from traditional crafts to the era of industrialization, with a particular emphasis on textile production, which was of great regional importance.

The Naturkundemuseum Ostbayern, located in Regensburg, has been situated in the classicist Württemberg Palace, also known as Herzogspalais, since 1961. This location is in the far northwest of Regensburg's old town, adding a historical touch to your visit.

The Alpinmuseum, located in the Marstall in Kempten in the Allgäu, was a museum that focused on the history of the Alps, the history of alpinism, and the environment and nature. It was a branch of the Bavarian National Museum and was established in collaboration with the German Alpine Association. The museum was operational from 1991 to 2021.

The Kallmann Museum, situated in the Ismaning Castle Park in Ismaning near Munich, is a destination for those interested in modern and contemporary art. The museum's location offers a serene environment that complements the artistic experience within its walls.

The Natural History Museum of Aschaffenburg is situated in the historical Schönborner Hof in Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, Germany. This location adds a historical charm to the museum, making it a unique place to explore the natural history of the region.

The Parsberg Castle is a hilltop castle located on a limestone spur in the city center of Parsberg in the district of Neumarkt in Upper Palatinate, Bavaria. The complex has a long construction history that dates back to the 13th century. The castle museum, located in the lower castle, presents the h

The Alpines Museum (Museum of the Alps and the Mountain) is a museum in Munich that is located on the southern part of the Praterinsel, one of the islands of the Isar. The building dates back to the 19th century and was donated to the Austrian-German mountaineering society. The museum illustrates th

The Natural History Museum in Nuremberg exhibits parts of the collections of the Natural History Society Nuremberg. The permanent exhibition in the Natural History Museum in Nuremberg covers the areas: ethnology, prehistory, archeology of Jordan, karst and speleology and geology. Zoology, entomology

The Naturpark Nagelfluhkette is a unique cross-border nature park that spans between the German region Allgäu and the Austrian state Vorarlberg. This park is the first of its kind, bridging two countries and offering a diverse range of landscapes and natural beauty. It covers a significant part of the Allgäu Prealps west of the Iller and extends from Immenstadt and the western slopes of the Illertal in the east to the Hirschbergzug in the west. The park's southern border is marked by the Bregenzer Ach, Hirschgundtal, and Rohrmoostal near Oberstdorf, extending to the slopes of the Hochifen.

The Missionsmuseum in Sankt Ottilien, established in 1887, is a significant historical site located within the premises of the Archabbey of Sankt Ottilien. The museum houses an ethnological and natural history collection from the former mission areas of the monastery. It serves as a comprehensive documentation of the history of the Benedictine Congregation of St. Ottilien, providing visitors with a deep understanding of the congregation's past.

The Urwelt-Museum Oberfranken in Bayreuth is a regional natural history museum that is managed by the city of Bayreuth. The museum's main focus is on the history of both living (paleontology) and non-living (geology and mineralogy) nature of Upper Franconia. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in natural history and the evolution of life and earth.

In 2022, Geopark Ries was recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, a testament to its significant geological heritage. Covering an area of almost 1,800 km², the park is nearly six times the size of Munich, offering a vast landscape for visitors to explore.

The ReichenhallMuseum, previously known as the Städtisches Heimatmuseum Bad Reichenhall, is the local museum of the Upper Bavarian city of Bad Reichenhall. It is housed in the city's former grain store, located at Getreidegasse 4. The museum showcases numerous exhibits related to the history of salt mining, local crafts, city history, geology, and folklore.

The Museum Reich der Kristalle is the publicly accessible part of the Mineralogischen Staatssammlung (State Mineralogical Collection) of Munich. It contains 100,000 exhibits, including diamonds, emeralds and other gems. There is also a collection of meteorites, as well as quartzes from the Alpine re

The Naturkunde-Museum Lindenhof in Bayreuth is an integral part of the Lindenhof Environmental Protection Information Centre. This centre is managed by the Landesbund für Vogelschutz e.V. – an association dedicated to the protection of species and habitats. This association is known for its commitment to environmental conservation and education, making the museum a great place for visitors interested in nature and biodiversity.

The Naturkundliche Museum in Schweinfurt is situated in the Harmonie museum building, which is located on the banks of the Main. This location offers visitors a scenic view of the river and the surrounding area. The museum is easily accessible and is part of a cultural quarter that includes other museums and cultural institutions.

The RiesKraterMuseum in Nördlingen is a natural science museum that focuses on the formation and significance of impact craters. The museum's main highlight is the Nördlinger Ries, a large impact crater that was formed about 15 million years ago when a 1 km asteroid collided with Earth at a speed of approximately 70,000 km/h. The museum is housed in a meticulously renovated medieval barn from 1503 and presents the Ries event and its planetary roots and earthly impacts that continue to this day.

The Künstlerhaus Marktoberdorf serves as a cultural platform for the entire Ostallgäu region in Bavaria. This museum, with its purist, cubic brick architecture designed by Swiss architects Bearth & Deplazes, is a hub for contemporary art. It not only functions as an exhibition space but also as a workshop and event venue.

The Museum Wald und Umwelt is a natural science educational institution located on the Ludwigshöhe, on the edge of the Ebersberg Forest. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the natural environment and its history in a picturesque setting.

The Kastenhof Landau - Das Museum für Steinzeit und Gegenwart is an archaeological museum located in the historic Kastenhof in Landau an der Isar. The museum focuses on the Neolithic period, shedding light on the cultural changes of this era and their impact on modern human life. The museum opened on October 27, 2019.

The Fürstenzeche visitor mine is a historic silver and fluorspar mine and is considered to be the oldest in the Bavarian Forest. Follow us down into the depths of the Osser Mountains and experience pure mining. Surrounded by the adventurous magic of 500 years of silver mining, your visit to the "Für

The German Hunting and Fishing Museum, located in Munich, is a significant institution dedicated to the history of hunting and fishing. It is recognized globally among hunting museums for its extensive collection and historical significance.

The Freilandmuseum Grassemann serves as an information center for the Fichtelgebirge Nature Park and is an open-air museum located in Grassemann, a district of the Upper Franconian municipality of Warmensteinach. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the region's natural environment and cultural history.

The Fossil and Stone Print Museum Gunzenhausen, previously known as the Maxberg Museum or Museum on the Maxberg, is a paleontological and geological museum located in Gunzenhausen. This city is situated in the Middle Franconian district of Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen. The museum is a significant destination for those interested in paleontology and geology, offering a unique insight into these scientific fields.