Naturzentrum Eifel

About the museum

The Naturzentrum Eifel was opened in 1989 by the municipality of Nettersheim. It sees itself as a supra-regional center for environmental education that conveys the geological, archaeological and ecological features of the Kalkeifel around Nettersheim. The guiding idea is "understanding through experience": the exhibitions are meant to make visitors want to explore the landscape themselves afterward.

In the main building on Urftstraße, several exhibitions with many discovery stations show the history of the region from Neanderthals through Roman rural life, the Eifel aqueduct and the cult of the Matronae to the Franks, as well as habitats such as waters, forest and limestone grassland, and energy and climate. A barn behind a faithfully furnished farmhouse from 1896 shows country life around a hundred years ago; on the first floor, a coral reef lives in a large saltwater aquarium, recalling the Devonian reef whose fossils can be found in Nettersheim.

These fossils are the focus of the Haus der Fossilien (House of Fossils), the "Alte Schmiede" (old forge), where several private collections on the Eifel Devonian sea, paleobotany and evolution are displayed. The offering also includes historic lime kilns, a farmer's and Roman garden, the Löwenzahn adventure trail and an extensive program of events and education. The Naturzentrum is closely connected with the Archäologischer Landschaftspark, the youth hostel and the Bildungswerk Nettersheim.

Highlights

• Exhibition "Neanderthals – Romans – Franks" with Matronae votive stone
• House of Fossils with finds from the Devonian Eifel sea
• Coral reef aquarium with about 5,800 liters of seawater
• Historic Eifel farmhouse from 1896
• Löwenzahn adventure trail with 20 hands-on stations
• Restored lime kilns from the 19th century

Permanent exhibitions

• Neandertaler – Römer – Franken – Archaeology of the region from the Old Stone Age through Roman rural life, the Eifel aqueduct and the cult of the Matronae to the Frankish period.
• Natur der Kalkeifel – Exhibitions on aquatic habitats, forest and wood, meadows and pastures, and energy and climate with many discovery stations.
• Haus der Fossilien – Collections on the Devonian coral reef of the Eifel, the history of paleontology and evolution, plus the show "400 Million Years of Forest".

Founded

1989

Operated by

Gemeinde Nettersheim

Admission & discounts

Admission covers the exhibitions on the second floor of the main building, including the House of Fossils. The first floor with tourist information, museum shop, cafeteria, Roman Road information center and coral reef aquarium is freely accessible.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Discovery stations in the exhibitions, adventure Sundays from April to October, family programs on weekends and during holidays, as well as children's birthday parties. The 6 km long Löwenzahn adventure trail with 20 hands-on stations starts at the Naturzentrum; in the village there are adventure playgrounds.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A 1 (own interchange) or the B 51 and B 258; the Naturzentrum is signposted in the village.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Cafeteria and museum shop on the first floor; also tourist information and national park info point there.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Seminar and conference rooms of various sizes (with Wi-Fi), log cabin and tavern in the historic work buildings for meetings and celebrations; catering and supporting program on request.

Plan your visit