Deutsches Segelflugmuseum mit Modellflug
Large museum on the history of gliding and model flying on the Wasserkuppe, the "mountain of the glider pilots" in the Rhön.
About the museum
The Wasserkuppe, at 950 meters the highest mountain in Hesse, is considered the cradle of gliding. From 1920 onward the Rhön gliding competitions were held here; events such as Arthur Martens' record flight in the "Vampyr" in 1922 and the first manned rocket flight by Fritz Stamer in 1928 made the mountain world-famous.
To mark the 50th anniversary of the first Rhön competition, the museum opened on August 8, 1970, initially in an aircraft hangar; a friends' association was founded in 1977. In 1987 the museum moved into its current self-supporting dome building, 37 meters in diameter. In 2002 Dr. Rubin's model aircraft collection was added, and since then the museum has carried the suffix "mit Modellflug" (with model flying). In May 2006 a large extension hall was inaugurated, later named after record pilot Hans-Werner Grosse.
With around 4,000 square meters of exhibition space, the museum considers itself the largest of its kind in the world. On display are full-size gliders from the Lilienthal glider to modern composite high-performance sailplanes, as well as flying models, engines and early remote controls. In its own workshop, volunteers restore historic aircraft or build replicas.
The museum is run by the Stiftung Deutsches Segelflugmuseum mit Modellflug, supported by a friends' association; its operation relies largely on volunteer work. As an out-of-school learning venue, the museum offers a "flying classroom" with a wind tunnel and experiments.
Highlights
- Full-size gliders from the Lilienthal glider to high-performance sailplanes
- Historic aircraft such as the Göppingen Gö 3 "Minimoa"
- Extensive model aircraft collection with engines and early remote controls
- Self-supporting dome building on Hesse's highest mountain
- "Flying classroom" with wind tunnel for school classes
Permanent exhibitions
- Geschichte des Segel- und Modellflugs – The development of motorless flight and model flying, from its beginnings on the Wasserkuppe to modern composite high-performance aircraft, shown through original aircraft and models.
- Founded
- 1970
- Operated by
- Stiftung Deutsches Segelflugmuseum mit Modellflug
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Members of air sports associations, apprentices, school students, university students, retirees, people with disabilities, guests with a receipt from a hotel/guesthouse |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Free up to age 15; children and teens only when accompanied by an adult. |
| Seniors | €5Reduced rate for retirees. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €5 |
| Students & apprentices | €5 |
| Groups (15+ people) | €5 per personReduced group rate €3 per person. |
Members of the friends' association free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
|---|
Children and teens up to age 15 only when accompanied by an adult.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Amenities & dining
Pets not allowed. Seminar room with interactive whiteboard.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours only on request by appointment. For school classes, a "flying classroom" (approx. 30 seats), wind tunnel, STEM materials and building hand-launched gliders. |
