Nature & natural history museums in Thuringia

The Thüringer Waldzoo Gera is home to a diverse range of wildlife, with nearly 900 animals from about 76 different species. Most of these species are native to the northern hemisphere, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about and interact with animals they may not encounter elsewhere. From deer and bison to yaks and reindeer, the zoo offers a rich and varied animal experience.

Tierpark Gotha is a small zoo nestled at the foot of the Kleinen Seeberg in the city of Gotha. It spans an area of approximately 6 hectares, providing ample space for visitors to explore and enjoy the diverse range of animals housed within its premises.

Inselzoo Altenburg is a unique zoo in Germany as it is the only one located on an island. The island is situated in the middle of the Großer Teich, a large pond, at the southern edge of Altenburg's old town. This unique location adds to the charm and appeal of the zoo, making it a distinctive destination for tourists.

The Tierpark Bad Liebenstein is a quaint zoo nestled at the foot of the Burgberg in the southern Thuringian town of Bad Liebenstein. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and families alike.

The Phyletic Museum in Jena, founded by Ernst Haeckel, is a unique institution dedicated to the study of phylogenesis. This museum offers a deep dive into the evolutionary history of multicellular animals, including humans. It's a place where science and art meet, aiming to convey the development of life through its exhibits.

The Museum für Naturkunde in Gera is one of the four city museums. It is situated in the Schreibersches Haus on the Nicolaiberg in the eastern part of the old town, adjacent to the Salvatorkirche. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique setting for the museum.

The Mauritianum is a natural history museum situated in Altenburg, Thuringia. It is a place where visitors can explore a wide range of natural history exhibits. The museum is named after Prince Moritz of Saxony-Altenburg, the president of the Natural Research Society of Osterland who passed away in 1907.

The Natural History Museum of Erfurt is conveniently located in the city center of Erfurt. It is housed in a building that was once a woad warehouse. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. The building itself, a former warehouse, adds a unique historical charm to the museum experience.

The Museum "Brehm's World - Animals and Humans", formerly known as the Brehm Memorial, is located in Renthendorf, Thuringia, Germany. This memorial museum is dedicated to the two renowned naturalists, Christian Ludwig Brehm and Alfred Brehm. It offers a unique opportunity to delve into the lives and works of these two significant figures in the field of natural science.

The Exotarium Oberhof, situated in the Thuringian city of Oberhof, is known to be the largest Aqua-Terra Zoo in Central Germany. This makes it a significant destination for tourists interested in exploring a diverse range of aquatic and terrestrial species in one place.

The Tiergarten Eisenberg is a zoo located in Eisenberg, Thuringia. It covers an area of 2.5 hectares and is home to approximately 720 animals of 44 different species. The zoo showcases small domestic breeds, wildlife from Australia and African mountain regions, as well as native forest dwellers.

Suhl Zoo, situated in the eastern part of the city of Suhl in the Thuringian Forest, is a unique destination for animal lovers. The zoo specializes in the keeping of endangered European wild and domestic animals, providing a safe haven for these species and an opportunity for visitors to learn about their conservation.

The Alternative Bärenpark Worbis is a free-range facility located on the outskirts of Leinefelde-Worbis in Thuringia's Eichsfeld. The park is home to bears, wolves, and various other animal species. It was established in 1996 by the initiative of the 'Aktion Bärenhilfswerk' on the site of the former municipal zoo.

The Thüringer Zoopark Erfurt, located in the north of the city on the Roter Berg, is the largest zoological garden in Thuringia. From this location, visitors can enjoy views of newer parts of Erfurt, a city with a history spanning over 1250 years.

The Stadtmuseum in Gera is one of four city museums, with a primary focus on the history of the city. It provides a comprehensive overview of the city's history, from its early origins to its development as a residence city of the Reuss. The museum's collections have been gradually built up and are divided into natural history and cultural history sections.

The Museum der Natur Gotha, located in the city of Gotha, is one of the four museums under the Stiftung Schloss Friedenstein Gotha. It is home to a wide range of geological, paleontological, and zoological collections. These collections have a rich history, with some dating back to the 17th century. The museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the natural history of the region and beyond.

The Deutsches Gartenbaumuseum is situated in the historic Defensionskaserne of the Cyriaksburg Citadel, within the grounds of the Erfurt Horticultural Exhibition, Egapark. This location not only provides a rich historical backdrop for the museum but also situates it within a vibrant horticultural environment, making it an interesting destination for those interested in gardening and horticulture.

The Ginkgo Museum in Weimar is a unique institution dedicated to the study and promotion of ginkgo plants, with a special emphasis on the living representative Ginkgo biloba. The museum explores the cultural history of this ancient plant and its various uses in different fields, including cooking, cosmetics, and medicine. It's a privately owned museum, established in 1998 by the family of Stefanie and Heinrich Georg Becker, who have been involved in the trade of ginkgo products since 1992.

The Thuringian Pharmacy Museum, located in Bad Langensalza, is a unique collection of pharmacy history. Since May 18, 2014, it has been housed in one of the oldest half-timbered houses in the city, the Rosenthal House. This provides a unique setting for the museum, adding to the historical significance of the collection.

Burg Ranis is a castle situated on a ridge near the Thuringian city of Ranis, a short distance from Pößneck. This location offers a unique vantage point and a scenic view of the surrounding area, making it an interesting destination for tourists who appreciate historical architecture and natural beauty.

The Opfermoor of Niederdorla, also referred to as Opfermoor Oberdorla and Opfermoor Vogtei, is a significant prehistoric cult site. It is situated in a flat lake to the north of Niederdorla in the Thuringian Unstrut-Hainich district. This site offers a unique glimpse into the past, providing an opportunity to explore the cultural and religious practices of ancient civilizations.