Haus des Waldes Köln

About the museum

The Haus des Waldes is housed in a renovated historic barn at Gut Leidenhausen in Köln-Porz. It sees itself as a center where knowledge about the development of Cologne’s forest and green spaces is preserved and processed; a forest and green archive is being created for this purpose. It is run by the Freundeskreis Haus des Waldes Köln e.V. together with the Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald Köln e.V., which also operates the Waldschule Köln (forest school), a school with a history of more than a hundred years.

After several years of renovation work the house is being reopened step by step: the Waldschule has been working again since 2025, the permanent exhibition “Wald schützen – Mach mit!” opened in March 2026, and the complete opening is planned for mid-2027. The exhibition shows life-size figures of people who campaign for forest and nature, including Konrad Adenauer, a logging horse and students from around the world, plus discovery stations, play areas and a branch installation by the stage designer Cordula Körber.

In summer 2027 the second part of the exhibition, “Wald der Zukunft”, is to follow in the upper area, which has so far been closed. The redesign of the permanent exhibition is supported by the Stiftung Umwelt und Entwicklung NRW, the NRW-Stiftung Naturschutz, Heimat- und Kulturpflege and the Landschaftsverband Rheinland; donations also contribute.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition "Wald schützen – Mach mit!" with life-size figures
• Discovery stations and play areas for children and adults
• Branch installation "Astwerk 45 Grad" by Cordula Körber
• Restored historic barn at Gut Leidenhausen
• Free admission

Permanent exhibition

• Wald schützen – Mach mit! – Life-size figures of committed people, discovery stations and play areas show how everyone can get involved for forests and nature.

Operated by

Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald Köln e.V. und Freundeskreis Haus des Waldes Köln e.V.

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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

According to the museum, barrier-free; a lift is to go into operation shortly. Accessible toilet available.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

The exhibition is aimed at children and adults and offers discovery stations and play areas. Children’s birthday parties for ages 6 to 10 (2.5 to 3 hours, five themes) cost €190 for up to 12 children, €10 for each additional child; booking via https://www.sdw-nrw-koeln.de/aktuelles/kindergeburtstage/.

Getting there & parking

Holders of a severe disability ID may drive up to the estate. The estate is easy to reach by bicycle, and the recreation area is signposted.

Amenities & dining

• Café

At Gut Leidenhausen, Leidenhausen Gastronomie runs a café (open Wednesday to Sunday, with seasonally changing hours).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

According to the operator, the house offers rooms for private and business events.

Plan your visit