Forst- und Jagdmuseum Ferdinand von Raesfeld
Museum in the Alte Oberförsterei (Old Forester's House) in Born on the history of forestry and hunting on the Darß, with large animal specimens, listening stations and activities for children.
About the museum
The museum is part of the ensemble of the Alte Oberförsterei in Born on the Darß. A hunting lodge of the Pomeranian dukes once stood on this site; the present forester's house was built in 1780. For roughly two and a half centuries it housed the forestry and hunting administration for the forests of the Darß, and today the listed complex serves the municipality as a cultural center.
The museum is named after Ferdinand von Raesfeld (1855–1929), who headed the Darß forestry office from 1891 to 1913. He shaped the region through reforestation and his principles of game management, and became well known far beyond Pomerania as the author of standard works on hunting.
An initial exhibition on the history of forestry and hunting opened in 1996. After a lengthy closure, the municipality of Born converted the site's former horse stable into the new museum building at a cost of more than 1.8 million euros, supported by donations from the Freundeskreis Ferdinand von Raesfeld (friends' circle). The redesigned building opened in April 2024.
The exhibition goes beyond forestry and hunting and tells the story of the entire building ensemble. The best-known piece is the full-body specimen of two red deer stags locked together in a rutting fight. In addition, there are specimens of a white-tailed eagle, a badger and a raccoon, listening stations with forest sounds and animal calls, and media stations with interviews with people who worked in the forest.
Highlights
- Specimen of two red deer stags locked together in a rutting fight
- The life and work of head forester Ferdinand von Raesfeld
- Listening stations with forest sounds and animal calls
- Media stations with interviews with forest workers
- Children's stations, binocular practice and a small playground
Permanent exhibitions
- Forst- und Jagdgeschichte des Darß – The exhibition in the converted horse stable tells the story of the Alte Oberförsterei, head forester Ferdinand von Raesfeld and forestry work on the Darß. Animal specimens and listening and media stations bring the forest and its wildlife to life.
- Founded
- 1996
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €10Holders of the Gästekarte Fischland-Darß-Zingst (guest card) |
| Children & teens | €6.60free up to age 5 · With guest card €5.00. |
| Groups (8+ people) | –Reduced admission for groups (price not published). |
| Families | –Reduced admission for families (price not published). |
Reductions are also available for families and groups of 8 or more.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Hands-on stations
- Playground / play area
The museum is designed for families: children's stations with animal profiles and animal tracks, a coloring station, a station for practicing with binoculars, and a small playground.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free parking lot next to the Kurverwaltung Born (spa administration office).
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours by arrangement. |
