Storchenschmiede Linum

About the museum

The Storchenschmiede (Stork Forge) emerged at the start of the 1990s from the nature conservation group 'Linumer Rhinluch'. Previously, an exhibition on loan from NABU Schleswig-Holstein had informed visitors about the life of white storks in a cowshed in Linum; the first tours to the nesting sites in the village started from there.

Later the visitor centre moved into the larger rooms of the former LPG (agricultural cooperative) workshop, the old village forge at Nauener Straße 54, which NABU Berlin had leased. NABU Berlin ran the house until 2020. To prevent its closure, nature conservationists from Linum and Berlin founded the non-profit Storchenschmiede gGmbH in 2020, which has run the operation since 2021; NABU Berlin remains a shareholder and cooperation partner.

Linum lies in the Oberes Rhinluch nature reserve. In summer, up to 18 stork pairs breed in the village; in autumn, tens of thousands of cranes rest in the Linum pond areas. The centre offers exhibitions, guided tours, project days and a nature experience camp.

Highlights

• Exhibitions on the white stork and the crane
• Guided tours of the stork village, the pond landscape and the Rhinluch
• Crane season with excursions to watch arrivals and departures
• Garden café in the forge garden and farm shop
• Project days and summer camp for children

Permanent exhibition

• Ausstellungen zu Weißstorch und Kranich – Exhibitions on the life and migration of white storks, cranes and other birds of the Rhinluch.

Operated by

Storchenschmiede gGmbH (Gesellschafter u. a. NABU Berlin)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission; donations are welcome.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Family weekends, project days for kindergartens and school classes, and a nature experience camp during the summer holidays; programmes are aimed at different age groups.

Getting there & parking

By bike from Kremmen regional station (approx. 12 km, mostly without a cycle path) or from Paulinenaue via the 'Stille Pauline' cycle route (approx. 22 km). By car from Berlin take the Kremmen exit; from Hamburg, the Fehrbellin exit.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Garden café in the forge garden with homemade cake, coffee and drinks; farm shop with postcards, regional seeds, honey and books. Payment in cash or by card.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The rooms can be rented for celebrations and seminars; enquiries directly to the Storchenschmiede.

Plan your visit