Nature & natural history museums in North Rhine – Westphalia

Poppelsdorf Palace, located in the Poppelsdorf district of Bonn, western Germany, is a Baroque building that is now part of the University of Bonn. This historical structure adds a touch of elegance and grandeur to the university campus, making it a point of interest for visitors.

The Alexander Koenig Zoological Research Museum, located in Bonn, Germany, is a renowned natural history museum and zoological research institution. The museum is named after Alexander Koenig, a private scholar and passionate collector of specimens, who generously donated his collection to the institution. This collection forms the basis of the museum's exhibits and has been instrumental in its research endeavors.

The Cologne zoo (Cologne Zoological Garden) is a zoo in Cologne that was founded in 1860. The zoo is home to more than 10,000 animals of over 850 different species. The Cologne Zoo with its attached aquarium and invertebrate exhibit is active in various endangered species programmes. The zoo's highl

Museum Insel Hombroich is an art museum situated in Neuss - Holzheim. The museum is unique for its free-standing exhibition pavilions and restored buildings, which are set in a renatured park and floodplain landscape on the northern bank of the Erft. This setting provides a serene and natural environment for visitors to enjoy the art exhibits.

The Aachener Tierpark Euregiozoo, previously known as Aachener Tierpark, is a zoo that spans across 8.9 hectares. It is situated between the districts of Forst and Beverau in Aachen's "Drimborner Wäldchen". The zoo is named after the former family of the mayors Hermann von Dremborn and Johann von Drimborn.

Adlerwarte Berlebeck is a bird park situated in the district of Berlebeck in Detmold. It was established in 1939 by Kati and Adolf Deppe. This park is a facility of the city of Detmold and is home to 46 different species of birds of prey, with a total of over 200 specimens.

The Geomuseum of the University of Münster, situated in the Westphalian city of Münster, is a historical institution that has been open since 1824. It is known for its extensive collection of fossils from different geological eras, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in paleontology and earth history.

The Aquarius Water Museum is situated in a decommissioned water tower in Styrum, a district of Mülheim an der Ruhr. This unique location adds to the museum's charm and historical significance. It is also part of the Route of Industrial Heritage, a tourist route that connects important industrial sites in the region. This makes the museum not only a destination in itself but also a part of a larger journey through the region's industrial past.

Schloss Benrath (Benrath Palace) is a Baroque-style maison de plaisance - a pleasure palace - in Benrath, a borough of Düsseldorf. The palace was built for the Elector Palatine Charles Theodor and his wife, Countess Palatine Elisabeth Auguste of Sulzbach.Construction of the palace began in 1755 and

Allwetterzoo Münster is a zoo located in the German city of Münster, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The zoo spans an area of 30 hectares, providing ample space for a variety of animal species and exhibits.

Zoo Krefeld, situated in the German city of Krefeld in North Rhine-Westphalia, was inaugurated in 1938. The 13-hectare zoo is home to approximately 1300 animals from around 225 different species. The zoo offers a diverse range of animals for visitors to see and learn about, making it a great destination for families and animal enthusiasts.

ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen, originally known as "Ruhr-Zoo", was established on April 14, 1949, and is recognized as one of the most modern zoological gardens in Germany. This historical establishment has evolved over the years to become a significant attraction for both locals and tourists alike.

Wildpark Reuschenberg is a zoo situated in the western part of the Reuschenberg forest in Leverkusen-Küppersteg, on the border with Bürrig. This location offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience wildlife in a natural forest setting, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and families alike.

Safariland Stukenbrock is a unique combination of an amusement park and a zoo, located in the scenic district of Hochsauerland, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It offers a diverse range of attractions, from thrilling rides to exotic animal exhibits, making it an ideal destination for both adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Naturzoo Rheine is a zoo located in the northern part of the city of Rheine in Münsterland. The zoo spans an area of 13 hectares, providing ample space for a variety of animals and exhibits. It was founded in 1937 and initially focused on local fauna, but has since expanded to include species from outside Europe.

The Wildpark Tannenbusch, located in Dormagen - Delhoven, is a zoo that remains open throughout the year. It was first opened to the public in 1958, making it a long-standing part of the local community.

Anholter Schweiz, also known as Leopoldspark, is a landscape and wildlife park located near Anholt in Isselburg - Vehlingen. This park is situated close to the German-Dutch border in the far west of Münsterland, making it an accessible destination for tourists from both countries. The park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife, providing an immersive experience for nature lovers.

The Heimat-Tierpark Olderdissen (animal park Olderdissen) is an urban zoo in Bielefeld that consists of around 16 hectares. The zoo is home to more than 450 individual animals, including 90 different species. The park offers a year-round 24-hour opening with free entry and focuses on the representat

The Bird Park Heiligenkirchen, located in Detmold, is a scientifically managed zoological facility that specializes in exotic birds and small mammals. The park emphasizes direct contact with the animals, providing a unique and interactive experience for visitors. The park houses around 1000 animals, mostly birds, from 300 species.

The Hamm Zoo, situated in the southern part of the Westphalian city of Hamm, spans an area of about 9 hectares following an expansion in 2019. This makes it a spacious destination for visitors to explore and enjoy a variety of animal species in their habitats.

The Botanischer Garten der Stadt Neuss is a botanical garden nestled in the Dreikönigenviertel of Neuss. It is situated between Körnerstraße and Bergheimer Straße, spanning an area of approximately 1 hectare. This garden offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature.

The Rheinisches Landesmuseum Bonn, also known as LVR-LandesMuseum Bonn, is a museum located in Bonn, Germany. It is managed by the Rhineland Landscape Association. The museum is one of the oldest in the country and has undergone extensive renovations in 2003.

Wildwald Voßwinkel is a nature experience facility nestled in the Voßwinkel district of Arnsberg, North Rhine-Westphalia. The facility is situated within the Lürwald, a significant portion of which is part of the Luerwald nature reserve. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.

The Zoologischer Garten Wuppertal, in short Zoo Wuppertal or Wuppertaler Zoo, is a zoo in Wuppertal in Germany. The zoo was opened in 1881 and after an expansion in 2006, the zoo contains an area of 24 hectares. The park-like layout of the zoo features numerous trees and lanes. Zoo Wuppertal is home

The LWL-Museum für Naturkunde, also known as the Westphalian Museum of Natural History, is a state museum located in Münster. It is under the sponsorship of the Landscape Association of Westphalia-Lippe (LWL). The museum is a significant cultural and educational institution in the region, offering a wide range of exhibits and programs related to natural history.

The Lippisches Landesmuseum in Detmold holds the distinction of being the largest and oldest museum in Ostwestfalen-Lippe. This museum, supported by the Landesverband Lippe, is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering a wide range of exhibits and collections that span various fields of study.

The Haus Ruhrnatur museum focuses on the theme of 'Water'. It showcases the Ruhr ecosystem through various exhibits including fish from the Ruhr, small animals under the microscope, and sensory experiences such as sounds and smells. This provides a unique and interactive way for visitors to learn about the local ecosystem.

The Museum Haus Hövener is a local history museum situated in the historic and protected Haus Hövener in Brilon. This museum offers a deep dive into the history of the region, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.

The Goldfuß Museum is conveniently located on the first floor of the Steinmann Institute at Nußallee 8 in Bonn. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike.

The Mineralogical Museum of the University of Bonn is a unique museum dedicated to minerals and is situated in the historic Poppelsdorfer Castle. This location not only provides a rich historical backdrop for the museum but also adds to the overall experience of the visitors.

The Eifelmuseum Blankenheim is situated in the town of Blankenheim (Ahr), within the district of Euskirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, on Ahrstraße. This location is easily accessible and provides a great starting point for exploring the museum and the surrounding area.

Wildpark im Grafenberger Wald is a 36 hectares wildlife park in the Grafenberger Wald (Grafenberg Forest). It is one of the oldest game parks in Germany and shows only native animals. Visitors can see over 100 animals living in spacious enclosures, with wild pigs, raccoons and more.

Zoo Duisburg is the zoo of the German city of Duisburg that was founded in 1934. The zoo is home to around 2150 animals representing around 280 species. Zoo Duisburg is especially known for its koalas and dolphins. The zoo is divided by the Bundesautobahn 3 into an eastern and a western part that ar

The Solingen Bird and Animal Park is a year-round open, approximately 1.5 hectares large animal park located in Solingen - Ohligs. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to interact with a variety of animals in a natural setting throughout the year.

The Monkey and Bird Park Eckenhagen is a zoo situated in the municipality of Reichshof, in the Oberbergischer Kreis, North Rhine-Westphalia. This park is a great place for animal lovers and families to explore and learn about various species of monkeys and birds. It offers a unique opportunity to interact with some of the animals, making it a memorable experience for visitors.

The Tierpark Recklinghausen is situated in the city garden of Recklinghausen, a little to the north of the city center. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors and provides a serene environment for the animals housed in the park.

Spanning an area of 3 hectares, Tierpark Herford is home to a diverse range of animals. As of 2022, the zoo houses 650 animals from 90 different species. This includes a variety of both local and exotic animals, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about and interact with a wide range of wildlife.

The Tierpark Alsdorfer Weiher, located in Alsdorf in North Rhine-Westphalia, is a part of the Broichbachtal recreational area. The park spans across 30 hectares and is home to 300 animals from 30 different species. This diverse range of species provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about and interact with a variety of animals in a natural setting.

The Tiergarten Kleve, located in Kleve, North Rhine-Westphalia, is home to approximately 350 animals. The zoo primarily focuses on preserving and showcasing mostly old, endangered domestic animal breeds. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about these rare breeds and their importance in biodiversity.

The Kinderbauernhof Neuss is a project that was established in 1978. It is situated in the Selikumer Park, within the recreational area of Reuschenberger Busch in Neuss - Selikum. This location offers a serene and natural environment, making it an ideal place for visitors who are looking for a peaceful and relaxing experience.

The Ruhr Museum is a natural history and cultural history museum for the Ruhrgebiet (the Ruhr area) in Essen. In the permanent exhibition in the museum, it documents nature, culture and history of the Ruhr area and thus the development of the largest agglomeration in Europe.

The Gräflicher Park Bad Driburg is a sprawling English landscape garden that spans 64 hectares. It is situated in the East Westphalian city of Bad Driburg in North Rhine-Westphalia. This park is a private property of the Graf von Oeynhausen-Sierstorpff family and is known for its unique location and design. It is one of the anchor gardens in the European Garden Network.

Tierpark und Fossilium Bochum is a 1.9-hectare zoo in Bochum that is located in the city park. The zoo is home to about 3,900 animals consisting of around 330 species. The Fossilium features many different fossils.

The Dortmund Zoo, in full Zoologischer Garten der Stadt Dortmund, is the zoo of the German city of Dortmund which was opened on 1958. The zoo is home to around 1500 animals from around 240 species. Zoo Dortmund is best known for the large collection of South American animal species. The Dortmund Zoo

Aquazoo – Löbbecke-Museum Düsseldorf is a zoo and natural history museum in Düsseldorf. It covers an area of 6800 m², and is home to 560 animal species presented in 25 themed rooms in aquariums, terrariums and a tropical hall. The exhibition is completed by 1,400 natural history exhibits, models and

The Hochwildpark Rheinland is a spacious animal park, spanning approximately 80 hectares. It is situated in the scenic locale of Mechernich - Kommern, within the Euskirchen district. This park provides a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in a natural habitat teeming with diverse wildlife.

The Waldau is home to various wildlife species. Among them are the tawny owl, Bechstein's bat, fallow deer, badger, common toads, and grass snakes. These species contribute to the rich biodiversity of the area, making it a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts.

The Wildfreigehege Bend, opened in 1975, is a spacious wildlife park that spans over 7 hectares. It is nestled in the forest area between the Erft river and the highway in Grevenbroich, providing a serene and natural environment for visitors to explore.

Gysenbergpark, located in Herne, is a leisure park that was established in 1970. It was initially known as Revierpark Gysenberg and was the first park of its kind in the Ruhr area. This park is a significant part of the region's history and offers a unique experience to its visitors.

The Lindenthaler Tierpark is an animal park/zoo in Cologne mainly for families with children who can observe animals up close or play in the park. The stock of animals varies in number. Around 26 fallow deer, 25 goats, highland cattle, many sheep, turkeys, peacocks, water fowl and various chickens h

Nadermann Zoo, located in the Schöning district of Delbrück in North Rhine-Westphalia, is a privately owned zoo that has been in the family since its establishment in 1967. This long-standing family ownership has allowed the zoo to grow and evolve over the years, providing a unique and personal touch to the visitor experience.

The Stadtmuseum Bergkamen, established in 1965, is situated in the Oberaden district of the city of Bergkamen. This museum is a significant cultural center in Bergkamen, offering a rich collection of historical and contemporary exhibits.

The Ruhrtalmuseum is a local history museum situated in the 'Old Town Hall' in Schwerte. This location adds a historical charm to the museum, making it a unique destination for tourists interested in local history and architecture. The building itself was constructed during the Middle Ages and served various purposes, including a town hall and a residence for the town's night watchman.

A nature-focused park with a petting zoo, long walking trails and even a labyrinth. Nice day out.

The Museum Menden, located in Menden (Sauerland), is a local history museum that was established by Friedrich Glunz in 1912. This makes it one of the oldest museums in Westphalia, a region rich in history and culture. The museum is a testament to the region's past, offering visitors a glimpse into the local history and traditions of Menden and the surrounding areas.

The Museum für Vor- und Frühgeschichte is an archaeological museum situated in the city of Balve, within the Märkischen Kreis region. It offers a unique opportunity to delve into the past and explore the rich archaeological history of the area.

The Prinzenpalais is home to the NABU Nature Information Centre Senne, which features an exhibition. This provides an opportunity for tourists to learn about the local environment and its conservation efforts. The exhibition is a great way to engage with the region's natural history and current environmental initiatives.

The Museum Wilnsdorf is a unique institution that is divided into two main sections: the 'Folklore Museum' and the 'Cultural History Meeting Place'. This structure allows the museum to offer a wide range of exhibits and experiences, catering to a variety of interests.

The Westphalian Horse Museum Münster is conveniently located within the Allwetterzoo in Münster, Westphalia. This provides an added advantage for tourists visiting the zoo as they can also explore the museum without any additional cost. The museum's admission is included in the zoo's entrance fee, making it a cost-effective option for those interested in learning about the history and culture of horses in Westphalia.

The StiftsMuseum Xanten is a church museum that houses a rich collection of artifacts. This includes the church treasure of the Xanten St. Viktor Church and other significant testimonies of regional history. The museum provides a unique opportunity to explore the religious and cultural heritage of the region.

The Wasserschloss Werdringen is a water castle located in Hagen Vorhalle, near the Ruhr on the Harkortsee below the Kaisberg. This historic site is not just a castle, but also houses the regional Archaeology Museum Hagen in one of its outbuildings. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in both history and archaeology.

The Natur- und Landschaftsmuseum is situated in the historic town of Bad Münstereifel, in the Euskirchen district of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is housed in the Werther Tor, a part of the town's completely preserved and walkable fortifications. This location adds a unique historical charm to the museum, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

NaturGut Ophoven, located in Leverkusen, is an environmental education center that caters to both children and adults. The center was established in 1984 on the grounds of an old manor in the Opladen district. This location offers a unique blend of history and nature, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

The Deutsches Höhlenmuseum Iserlohn, situated in the Grüne district of Iserlohn, holds the distinction of being the largest German museum dedicated to speleology. This museum offers a comprehensive exploration of caves and their associated sciences, making it a unique destination for those interested in geology, archaeology, and natural history.

The Deichdorfmuseum Bislich is a museum dedicated to local history and natural history, situated in the district of Bislich in Wesel. It offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and natural environment of the region. The museum's exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from local cultural history to the Rhine as a habitat, including dike construction, fishing, and shipping.

The Niederbergisches Museum in Wülfrath is a local history museum that provides insights into the life, work, and the limestone industry of the region. It also showcases related geological and paleontological findings. This museum offers a unique opportunity to understand the local history and culture of Wülfrath and the Niederberg region.

The Dobergmuseum, located in the East Westphalian city of Bünde, is a geological museum that primarily showcases fossils found in the nearby Doberg. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in geology and paleontology, offering a glimpse into the Oligocene era through its extensive collection of fossils.

The Museum für Naturkunde is a natural history museum in Dortmund. The focus of the museum's collection is on exhibits from the fields of biology, geology and paleontology. The zoological exhibition shows local fauna and flora with some extra focus on mushrooms. The museum also features an aquarium

The Museum Zurholt, also referred to as the Mineral and Fossil Museum Zurholt, is a geological museum located in Altenberge, Kreis Steinfurt, North Rhine-Westphalia. The museum has been operational since 2010 and offers a unique insight into the geological history of the region.