The World Nature Forum is a fascinating and modern museum in Naters, Switzerland that is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Jungfrau-Aletsch. This article will review the World Nature Forum Naters, see what to expect, and tackle if it is worth visiting.
Overview: World Nature Forum
Located in Naters, a village in Brig, the World Nature Forum offers visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about the unique ecosystems that make up the stunning region of Jungfrau-Aletsch. The museum features interactive exhibits, educational programs, brochures, and short films to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the natural world that Switzerland tries so hard to protect and preserve for future generations.
Visitors to the World Nature Forum Naters can expect to be immersed in a world of stunning natural beauty through films and interactive exhibits. You will be taken to the towering peaks of the Swiss Alps to the crystal-clear waters of the region’s rivers and lakes. You will also get to know more about the country’s largest glacier – the Great Aletsch Glacier.
World Nature Forum: What to Expect
Permanent Exhibit about the Jungfrau-Aletsch Region
The center’s permanent exhibit showcases the region’s rich biodiversity, including its flora and fauna. This includes images, videos, maps, interactive exhibits, and games that allow you to learn more about the Jungfrau-Aletsch region.
There is a huge three-dimensional relief model of the Jungfrau-Aletsch region on display where you can see the Great Aletsch Glacier as well as the surrounding mountains of the Aletsch Region.
One highlight for children is the wooden ball given before entering the museum. You can use the wooden ball and see how it goes through various ball tracks (three in total). Another fun highlight is the various games throughout the museum where you can answer questions or move things around. There is also a multi-player video game that is fun for groups of two to four.
Through engaging and interactive displays that you can find at the World Nature Forum, visitors can learn about one of the most beautiful regions in the world. We can only hope that all visitors will be inspired to engage in conservation and sustainable practices.
Panorama Film about the Jungfrau-Aletsch Region
Experience a captivating panorama film (approximately 15 to 20 minutes) that captures the essence of the Alps near Jungfrau-Aletsch. Watch as hikers explore the majestic mountains, climbers conquer peaks, and visitors delight in the beauty of Oeschinen Lake. Discover the glacier’s wonders and even delve into the world of butterflies, learning how they thrive in this region.
The film unfolds on an expansive panoramic screen, with the most optimal viewing from the back of the room due to its impressive width. We watched and enjoyed this breathtaking visual journey from beginning to end and can highly recommend watching it.
Wengeneralp Train Carriage
There’s a little train carriage that reminds you of the ones going up to Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg from Lauterbrunnen. While on the train, a film plays on the side, giving you a true-to-life experience of the train journey.
You can also explore the artifacts inside the train carriage and discover more about the Jungfraujoch area. If you haven’t visited this place yet, I strongly suggest going – it’s one of the most awe-inspiring mountain views you can experience in Switzerland.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Jungfrau-Aletsch area is known as a special UNESCO World Heritage site, but Switzerland has more amazing places to explore too! Here are some other famous spots in Switzerland that are part of UNESCO World Heritage sites:
- Bern Old Town: The Old Town in Bern with medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and historic fountains is like stepping back in time.
- Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes: This is a special train route that takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the Swiss Alps. You’ll see stunning mountain views and cross impressive bridges.
- Swiss Watchmaking Towns: The Swiss are famous for making high-quality watches. Some towns, like La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle, are recognized for their unique watchmaking heritage and urban planning.
- Abbey of St. Gallen: This impressive abbey has a library filled with ancient books and manuscripts. The architecture is stunning, and it’s a place of learning and history.
- Convent of St. John Müstair: This charming monastery is located in the peaceful valley of Val Müstair and features beautiful frescoes that tell stories from the past. It’s a place of history and serenity.
- Lavaux Vineyard Terraces: These beautiful vineyards stretch along Lake Geneva and offer stunning views of the lake and the mountains. It’s a place where people grow grapes to make delicious Swiss wine.
- Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps: These are ancient settlements that were built on stilts in lakes and wetlands. They give us a glimpse into how people lived a long time ago.
- Architectural Work of Le Corbusier: Le Corbusier was a famous architect who created innovative buildings. You can explore his work in Swiss cities, like the stunning Villa “Le Lac” overlooking Lake Geneva.
- Sardona Tectonic Arena: The arena encompasses the Glarus Thrust, a major tectonic fault where older rocks have been pushed over younger ones.
World Nature Forum Naters Review
Whether you are a nature lover, an environmentalist, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, the World Nature Forum Naters is an informative and interesting destination. With its engaging exhibits and commitment to conservation, the museum offers visitors a good experience.
The World Nature Forum building and exhibits were all fresh and modern. From what I remember, all interactive exhibits were in good working condition. The layout inside was easy to navigate, and there was plenty of space for everyone to move around comfortably.
I enjoyed the content of the exhibits. It’s a great option, especially when the weather isn’t cooperating, and you’re staying somewhere nearby in Valais like Brig, Visp, or maybe even Zermatt. It offers a wonderful indoor activity to explore and learn.
What made the experience even more meaningful was the inspiring message behind the exhibits. It’s not just about learning, but also about contributing to the preservation of nature’s beauty for generations to come.
We all hope that the future holds something special for the future to enjoy. Despite the challenges posed by climate change, we remain hopeful that by taking small steps, we can make a positive impact and ensure a better future.
Overall, I believe that the World Nature Forum is an excellent place to learn about the natural world and the importance of protecting it.
How to Get to World Nature Forum Naters
World Nature Forum is located in the Naters in the municipality of Brig, Switzerland. It is in the middle of the village and is easy to reach using various modes of transportation. There is an underground parking facility on site.
| Address | World Nature Forum Bahnhofstrasse 9a 3904 Naters |
| Bus | Naters, Aletsch Campus (2-minute walk) |
| Train | Brig (5 to 10-minute walk) |
Final Thoughts: World Nature Forum Naters
The World Nature Forum in Naters is a place you should check out if you want to learn about the Jungfrau-Aletsch region and other UNESCO World Heritage sites in Switzerland.
You can easily explore the World Nature Forum on your own. It’s just two levels and quite manageable to navigate. Furthermore, they have English translations available. If you’re with a group, you can arrange a guided tour by getting in touch with them directly.
World Nature Forum is a great stop if you’re in the area, and you can plan to spend about 2 hours there, although you can stay longer if you’re interested. Overall, I believe that the World Nature Forum Naters offers visitors a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Related Posts
- Brig, Switzerland: Where It Is and What You Need to Know
- The Fascinating Stockalper Palace In Brig, Switzerland
- Best Way to Get To Jungfraujoch
Related Posts: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- How to Spend 1 Day in Bern, Switzerland
- Abbey of Saint Gall: UNESCO World Heritage Site in St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Bernina Express Route: Chur to Tirano Train
- Discover the Convent Of St. John Müstair And Its Museum
- Musée International D’Horlogerie: What to Expect
Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.
Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.