Walderlebniszentrum Ziegelwies
Cross-border forest center on the Lech near Füssen with a treetop walkway, adventure trails, and the hands-on exhibition "Mein Wald."
About the museum
The Walderlebniszentrum (forest discovery center) was established in 2002 at the former border crossing Ziegelwies between Füssen and Pinswang in Tyrol. After the end of border controls through the Schengen Agreement, the forestry administration had already moved into the former customs building in 2000; this gave rise to a place for forest education that connects Bavaria and Tyrol. The center is run by the Verein Walderlebniszentrum Ostallgäu – Außerfern, founded in 2003, and funded by the Free State of Bavaria and EU programs.
In the following years, the grounds grew step by step: in 2004 the floodplain forest trail on the Lech was added, in 2006 a pavilion made of silver fir wood, and in 2007 a sensory area. In 2013 the roughly 480-meter-long treetop walkway opened, which leads through the floodplain forest at heights of up to 21 meters and crosses the state border between Bavaria and Tyrol on its larch planks.
In the exhibition building, the redesigned exhibition "Mein Wald" shows animals and plants of the mountain forest, the importance of timber and log rafting for the region, and the Ice Age geology around the Lechfall. Microscopes, scent stations, and games invite visitors to join in. For schools and kindergartens, the center offers forest education; it holds the Bavarian quality seal for environmental education.
Highlights
- Treetop walkway above the floodplain forest, up to 21 m high
- Crossing the Bavaria–Tyrol border on the treetop walkway
- Hands-on exhibition "Mein Wald" with microscopes and scent stations
- Free adventure trails with adventure playgrounds
- Lechfall and Füssen old town within walking distance
Permanent exhibitions
- Mein Wald – Interactive exhibition on animals and plants of the forest, wood use, and log rafting in the region. A separate section explains the Ice Age geology around Ziegelwies.
- Founded
- 2002
- Operated by
- Verein Walderlebniszentrum Ostallgäu – Außerfern e. V.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Children and young people up to age 15 free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission with ID. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €4 per personPer person. |
Admission only for the treetop walkway (adults from age 16). The exhibition, floodplain forest trail, and mountain forest trail are free. With the "Guten Tag Ticket," up to five people pay the group rate.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- 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 treetop walkway and exhibition building are accessible by wheelchair and stroller. Accessible parking spaces at parking lot P1 directly at the building. The floodplain forest trail is step-free only in the entrance area.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Playground / play area
- Kids’ birthday parties
Floodplain forest and mountain forest trails with adventure playgrounds, a long slide, a suspension bridge, a raft, and giant swings; the exhibition has hands-on stations. Children's birthday parties for ages 6 to 14 (max. 12 children, Mon–Fri, 3 hours, €15 per child) with treasure hunt or crafts. The floodplain forest trail is only partly suitable for strollers because of natural steps.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Ziegelwies Walderlebniszentrum · 100 m
Bus line 100 (Füssen–Reutte) to the stop "Ziegelwies Walderlebniszentrum." From Füssen train station about a 20–30 minute walk.
By car
Free parking
Free from 6:00 to 20:00: P1 on the Bavarian side directly at the building (about 10 spaces, including accessible parking spaces) and P2 on the Tyrolean side (about 150 spaces, also for motorhomes and buses). Overnight stays are not allowed.
- Accessible parking
The center is on Tiroler Straße (B 17) directly on the border with Austria.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant: not available
Forest snack bar opposite the exhibition building with snacks, coffee, cake, and ice cream; about 60 covered seats outdoors or in the wooden pavilion. Dogs on a leash welcome.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Allow about 40–60 minutes for the exhibition, 15–40 minutes for the treetop walkway, and 20–90 minutes for the floodplain forest trail (1.5 km). Forest tours, project days, and forest education for schools and kindergartens by arrangement (tel. 08341 9002-2133). A 360° virtual tour is available online. |
