Ruhestein Nature Conservation Centre

The northern Black Forest with its extensive forests, airy mountain tops and black glacial lakes and the Ortenau with its lovely, romantic valleys are not just cradles of countless legends and fairy tales, but also centres of attraction for many visitors who, summer and winter alike, come to enjoy the natural, unspoilt beauty of the region.

The Naturschutzzentrum Ruhestein was founded in 1998 as a foundation of the German State of Baden-Württemberg with the communities of Seebach, Baiersbronn, Freudenstadt and the administrative districts of Ortenaukreis and Freudenstadt. The Naturschutzzentrum as a local institution wishes to play a role in which visitors can experience nature firsthand – the damp moorlands or Grinden, the streams and waterfalls of the narrow valleys – while being made aware of their responsibilities to the flora and fauna of this sensitive habitat.

The exciting permanent exhibition in the centre gives adults and children alike a fascinating glimpse of the Black Forest: life-size dioramas show typical plants and animals, children can scramble through a sea of rocks and various models show how the forest has developed and been used from the Ice Age up to today. A part of the exhibition is dedicated to the subject of the region as a recreational area and part describes the objectives of nature and landscape conservation. There are also temporary exhibitions on current or special themes. In the Infocenter, there is a model of the landscape where visitors can get tips for hikes or even determine their own hiking routes.

Opening hours of the exhibition:

1 May-30 Sep: Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun, public hols: 10am-6pm
1 Oct-30 Apr: Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun, public hols: 10am-5pm

Lectures, seminars and conferences on nature conservation and environmental protection are a way to learn new facts or exchange information and are of interest to all, particularly children and young people. There is a seminar room with microscopes and a small library, too, in the Naturschutzzentrum Ruhestein.

Throughout the year, there are interesting excursions under the professional guidance of biologists, forest wardens or the Schliffkopf ranger. Clothing appropriate for the weather and sturdy shoes are a must. Dates and themes can be found in the yearly programme or in the Seebach events calendar. The nature camp is a very special attraction. For more information see: www.naturschutzzentren-bw.de