Haus der Natur – Waldinformationszentrum

About the museum

The Haus der Natur stands in the Waldau on the Venusberg, in the middle of the Kottenforst. The building is a farmhouse originally from the Hunsrück that was rebuilt here. In 1989 the Bonn Forest Information Center opened in it, with exhibitions on the geology, animals and plants of the forest.

Today the house sees itself as an environmental education center. The permanent exhibition "Großstadtwald" (City Forest) covers the cultural history of the Kottenforst, native biodiversity and the benefits the forest provides for the densely populated region. In addition, there are works by regional artists with a connection to nature, as well as exhibitions on forests and sustainability.

The grounds include a farm garden, a nature garden and the roughly two-kilometer Path of Biodiversity, with a bird-watching hut, a barefoot trail and the municipal wildlife enclosure. Workshops for daycare centers and schools, as well as a half-year program for families and other nature enthusiasts, complement the offering.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition "Großstadtwald"
• Restored Hunsrück farmhouse
• Path of Biodiversity with barefoot trail and bird-watching hut
• Farm garden and nature garden
• Wildlife enclosure in the Waldau

Permanent exhibition

• Großstadtwald – Shows the history of use, biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Kottenforst, supplemented by a forest lab and hands-on stations.

Founded

1989

Operated by

Bundesstadt Bonn

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the exhibition is free, unless paid special events are announced. Workshops are free for daycare centers and school classes from Bonn.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

An elevator leads to the upper floor. The Path of Biodiversity is a low-barrier circular route.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Hands-on and try-it stations, a look into a beehive and a green classroom. Regular workshops and activity days for children. A playground and the wildlife enclosure are right nearby.

Getting there & parking

The Waldau is about 6 kilometers from Bonn's Münsterplatz.

Amenities & dining

Toilets in the Haus der Natur.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 50 guests.

Seminar room (approx. 36 m², up to 20 people) and multipurpose room "Fenster zum Wald" (Window to the Forest; 120 m², up to 50 people). Rental only for events on education for sustainable development, nature conservation or sustainability, and only upon application.

Plan your visit