Infozentrum Geopark Ries, Nördlingen

Museum in Nördlingen

Set inside Nördlingen's historic centre, the Infozentrum Geopark Ries is a small but very informative exhibition that focuses on the local story of the Ries crater and its surrounding Geopark. While the nearby Rieskrater Museum tells the big-picture impact story, this centre zooms in on the landscape you can actually walk through: its flora, fauna, rocks and viewpoints, plus the network of waymarked trails that radiate out across the crater. It is one of the things to do in Nördlingen if you want to understand not just what happened here 15 million years ago, but how that ancient event shapes the countryside you see today.

The exhibition is compact and easy to navigate, making it ideal as a first stop before you head out on walks or drives around the Geopark. Displays are clearly laid out, and information leaflets in English help non-German speakers get the most from each section. Maps, panels and models show you how the crater was formed, where to find the best viewpoints and what wildlife to look out for in different habitats. It feels like a gateway between the town's medieval streets and the wider Ries landscape, and a highlight of any walking tour of Nördlingen for travellers interested in nature and geology.

History and Significance of the Infozentrum Geopark Ries
Things to See and Do in the Infozentrum Geopark Ries
How to Get to the Infozentrum Geopark Ries
Practical Tips on Visiting the Infozentrum Geopark Ries
Where to Stay close to the Infozentrum Geopark Ries
Is the Infozentrum Geopark Ries Worth Visiting
FAQs for Visiting Infozentrum Geopark Ries
Nearby Attractions to the Infozentrum Geopark Ries

History and Significance of the Infozentrum Geopark Ries

The Infozentrum Geopark Ries was created to give visitors an accessible introduction to the Nördlingen Ries and its status as a designated Geopark. Rather than trying to cover all aspects of impact science, it concentrates on what makes this specific crater and its surroundings special: a bowl-shaped landscape formed by a meteorite impact, later transformed by erosion, agriculture and settlement into the fields, woods and villages you see today.

By highlighting local plants, animals and geological features, the centre shows how the impact created a mosaic of habitats, from fertile crater floor soils to stony slopes and small wooded hills. This is not just background science; it helps explain why certain crops grow well here, why particular bird and insect species thrive and why the region has long attracted both farmers and scientists.

The Infozentrum also plays a practical role as part of the wider Geopark network. It introduces visitors to the concept of Geoparks, which aim to protect geological heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and education. Through its displays, leaflets and suggested routes, the centre encourages visitors to explore the Ries respectfully, supporting local communities and preserving the landscapes that make the area unique.

Things to See and Do in the Infozentrum Geopark Ries

Inside the Infozentrum, you will find a series of compact exhibits that are easy to absorb in a short visit. Panels and models explain the basic story of the Nördlingen Ries crater: the meteorite impact, the formation of the basin and the creation of distinctive rocks and landforms. Simple diagrams and cross-sections help you picture what lies beneath the fields and towns, turning what might otherwise be an abstract geological concept into something you can visualise.

A key focus is the local ecosystem. Displays introduce typical plants and animals of the region, from wildflowers and hedgerow species to birds and small mammals you might spot on a walk. This is particularly useful if you plan to hike or cycle around the Geopark and want to know what you are seeing along the way. Seasonal information can help you decide the best time of year for certain walks, whether you are chasing spring blossoms, summer greenery or autumn colours.

Perhaps the most practical part of the centre is its coverage of walking routes and outdoor activities. Wall maps and printed leaflets outline short circular walks, longer day hikes and themed trails that link viewpoints, villages and geological features. You can pick up English-language information sheets that describe each route in more detail, including distance, difficulty and highlights. This makes the Infozentrum an ideal place to plan your time in the Ries, even if you only have a half day to spare.

Because admission is free and the space is not large, you can easily fit a visit into a busy itinerary. Many travellers stop in after the Rieskrater Museum or before walking the town walls and climbing Kirchturm Daniel, using what they learn here to better interpret the crater rim and floor from high vantage points.

How to Get to the Infozentrum Geopark Ries

For international visitors arriving by air, the most convenient major hub is Munich Airport, which offers extensive European and long-haul connections and serves as a practical gateway to Bavaria before you continue to Nördlingen. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Nördlingen on Booking.com. From there, you reach Nördlingen and its old town by train or car.

By train, regional services connect Nördlingen with cities such as Munich, Augsburg and Aalen, usually involving one or more changes depending on your starting point.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. The railway station lies just outside the medieval walls, and from there it is an easy walk into the historic centre, where the Infozentrum Geopark Ries is located near other key sights.

If you are travelling by car, you can drive via the A7 motorway and regional roads like the B25 and B466, following signs towards Nördlingen and using public car parks near the town walls.If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. From most parking areas it is only a few minutes' walk along cobbled streets to reach the Infozentrum, which you can combine with visits to the Rieskrater Museum, Kirchturm Daniel and the town walls.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Infozentrum Geopark Ries

Suggested tips: Use the Infozentrum early in your stay to pick up maps and ideas for walks; it will help you make better use of your time around the Ries crater.
Best time to visit: Any time of year works, but spring and summer are especially rewarding if you plan to use the walking information to explore local trails while wildflowers are in bloom and days are longer.
Entrance fee: Adults: €5.00
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 16:30
Official website: https://www.rieskrater-museum.de/
How long to spend: Around 30-60 minutes is usually enough to see the exhibits, read key panels and collect leaflets, though you can stay longer if you want to dive deeper into the details.
Accessibility: The Infozentrum is compact and usually easy to navigate; check in advance for step-free access if you have mobility needs, but many visitors with limited mobility find it straightforward compared with larger multi-level museums.
Facilities: Expect information displays, leaflet stands and staff or volunteers who can answer questions; toilets, cafés and additional services are available elsewhere in the old town rather than inside the centre itself.
Photography tip: Focus on close-ups of maps, models and diagrams (where permitted) so you can refer back to them when you are out walking in the Geopark; photographing route maps can be especially handy.
Guided tours: Ask whether the centre or local Geopark partners offer guided walks; joining one can give you more context about the crater, rocks and wildlife than exploring entirely on your own.
Nearby food options: Once you have planned your walks, step outside into Nördlingen’s historic centre, where cafés and bakeries around the market square and side streets make good spots for a pre- or post-walk snack.

Where to Stay close to the Infozentrum Geopark Ries

Because the Infozentrum Geopark Ries sits within Nördlingen's medieval centre, choosing accommodation inside or just outside the town walls makes visiting very easy. For a central base within walking distance of the Infozentrum, Rieskrater Museum and Kirchturm Daniel, NH Klösterle Nördlingen offers comfortable rooms in a historic complex close to the main sights. A family-friendly option nearby is JUFA Hotel Nördlingen, which works well if you are travelling with children and want easy access to both the town and surrounding countryside. For a smaller, more traditional stay with local character, Hotel Goldene Rose places you within a short stroll of the Infozentrum and the best walking routes around the old town walls.

Is the Infozentrum Geopark Ries Worth Visiting

If you are already in Nördlingen to walk the walls, climb Kirchturm Daniel or visit the Rieskrater Museum, the Infozentrum Geopark Ries is absolutely worth a short stop. It is compact, free and very focused on the local landscape, giving you clear, practical information about walking routes, wildlife and the Geopark as a whole. It will not take up a big chunk of your day, but it can significantly enrich your time in the crater by helping you understand what you are seeing and where to go next. For anyone curious about geology, nature or getting out into the countryside, this spot is one of the best places to see in Nördlingen.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (28)

Geopark Ries Infozentrum Nördlingen at Eugene‑Shoemaker‑Platz 3 is a small, neatly presented information centre focused on the Ries crater and meteorites; visitors praise the compact, informative exhibition and recommend guided tours (including private, customizable tours) to learn how the crater formed and even handle meteorite samples, though some note the centre is small, occasionally understaffed and could benefit from updates.

Judith Becerril

6 years ago

"Pretty and informative"

Rainer F. Kubbutat

6 years ago

"Not only the information center, but everything else is good to perfect! Booking the private tour with flexible customization of topics and timesworked perfectly, as did the tour itself!..."

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Uwe Ohneburg

2 years ago

"This is, of course, especially great for those who are interested. Anyone who has ever wanted to touch a meteorite or know how to distinguish themfrom bedrock will definitely get their money's worth here. Here, you can learn how the Ries (mountain) formed. A guided tour is highly recommended. Once you've explored Nördlingen's geological conditions, you can continue to explore Nördlingen's history with the same ticket at the town hall...."

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FAQs for Visiting Infozentrum Geopark Ries

It is located within the historic centre of Nördlingen, inside the medieval walls and within easy walking distance of the main square, Kirchturm Daniel and the Rieskrater Museum.

Yes, there is some overlap on basic crater information, but the Infozentrum is more focused on local flora, fauna and walking trails, while the Rieskrater Museum goes deeper into impact geology and space science.

Yes, the centre provides English leaflets and explanations for the exhibits so non-German speakers can fully engage with the displays.

Most visitors spend between 30 minutes and an hour here, depending on how much they read and how many walking routes they want to plan.

It is small but child-friendly, with clear displays that can spark curiosity about rocks, landscapes and nature; it works well as a short, low-pressure stop combined with other activities in town.

Nearby Attractions to the Infozentrum Geopark Ries

Rieskrater Museum: A larger museum dedicated to the Ries impact crater, with extensive impact rock collections, meteorites and a planetarium.
Kirchturm Daniel: The tall tower of St. Georg church, offering panoramic views over Nördlingen's circular old town and the surrounding Ries crater.
Nördlingen City Museum (Stadtmuseum): Located in the historic Holy Spirit Hospital, with four floors of exhibits on the town's religious, social and military history.
Nördlingen Town Walls: A complete circuit of medieval fortifications that you can walk, giving ever-changing views of the town and surrounding landscape.
Historic Market Square: The central square lined with historic buildings, shops and cafés, perfect for relaxing before or after exploring the Infozentrum and nearby museums.

The Infozentrum Geopark Ries appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Nördlingen!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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