Luftfahrtmuseum Wernigerode

About the museum

The aviation museum grew out of the collection of Clemens Aulich, whose passion for flying goes back to his grandfather, a flight instructor. In the early 1990s, Aulich took on the redevelopment of the former Elmo industrial site in the north of Wernigerode; from 1998, an old shipping hall was converted into an exhibition hall. The first visitors arrived in June 1999.

In June 2016, an extension opened with a new entrance area, the "CafetAIRia" cafeteria, two additional hangars, and conference and office space. In October 2018, a decommissioned Bundeswehr (German armed forces) Transall C-160, the "Silberne Gams", was lifted onto the museum roof; since February 2019, visitors have been able to walk through it, and a giant slide connects it to the exhibition.

Today the collection is spread across four halls: the History Hangar on the pioneering days of aviation, the Hollywood Hangar on the museum's film collaborations – the museum team built a cockpit for Steven Spielberg's "Bridge of Spies", for example –, a helicopter hangar, and a jet hangar. On display are around 50 airplanes and helicopters plus more than 2,000 other exhibits, from engines to models. The museum is privately run.

Highlights

• Transall C-160 "Silberne Gams" on the roof – walk inside, then take the slide back down into the hall
• Around 50 original airplanes and helicopters in four themed hangars
• Hollywood Hangar on film productions such as "Bridge of Spies"
• Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Bell UH-1D flight simulators
• Free audio guide for adults and children

Permanent exhibitions

• Transall C-160 „Silberne Gams“ – The largest exhibit sits on the museum roof and can be walked through; a giant slide takes you back down into the exhibition.
• History Hangar (H1) – This hall is devoted to early flight attempts and the pioneering days of aviation.
• Hollywood Hangar (H2) – This hangar covers the museum's film collaborations, such as building the cockpit for Spielberg's "Bridge of Spies".

Founded

1999

Operated by

Clemens Aulich (Privatmuseum)

Admission & discounts

Admission includes an audio guide via smartphone. Simulator flights and guided tours can be booked up to 90 days in advance; gift vouchers available.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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

The exhibition in the hangars is accessible; the Transall on the roof can only be reached by stairs. The hangars are unheated.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Walk-through Transall on the roof with a giant slide, free children's audio tour, printable children's quiz, and a craft station for flying objects. Simulator flights from age 8 (Bf 109) or from age 14 (Bell helicopter). Family tickets for 1 or 2 adults with up to 3 children.

Getting there & parking

From the A36, exit Wernigerode Nord, then follow the brown signs through the industrial area.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

CafetAIRia with a terrace, accessible even without a museum visit; museum shop with books and model kits. Lockers. Pets are not allowed.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Meeting rooms Flight Deck 2 (21 m², from €300) and Flight Deck 3 (45 m², from €500), combined 66 m² from €650 (all plus VAT); available only outside the main season. Group catering by advance order.

Plan your visit