Meeresaquarium-Exotarium Nautiland

In the heart of Sonneberg lies a fascinating corner of wildlife — the Nautiland Aquarium and Exotarium. This large-scale complex, covering 900 square meters, invites visitors on a captivating journey across three floors filled with the wonders of the deep sea and exotic lands. Germany is famous for its educational centers, and this place is no exception.

Here, you will come face-to-face with inhabitants of tropical waters: from bright coral fish and graceful seahorses to formidable moray eels and sharks roaming a giant 100,000-liter pool. In addition to marine creatures, Nautiland introduces guests to 21 species of reptiles and fascinating mammals, with the friendly family of meerkats attracting particular attention.

Nautiland Aquarium and Exotarium. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

One of the most striking features of the complex is the harmonious blend of different habitats. On the top floor, you will find an imitation of the savanna, where majestic giant tortoises live alongside the meerkats. It is an ideal destination for family outings, combining a popular science exhibition with entertainment areas for the youngest explorers.

To clarify details before your visit or to organize group tours, you can use the contact details provided below. We strongly recommend checking the official Nautiland website for information on special events or temporary schedule changes.

A visit to Nautiland is not just a walk past glass displays, but a true immersion into the world of wildlife. The main highlight is undoubtedly the massive shark tank, where you can spend hours watching the smooth movements of these predators. Those who appreciate detail will love the aquariums with live corals, which create the feeling of being on an actual reef among tropical fish and mysterious moray eels.

Be sure to head up to the top level to observe life in the savanna zone. Life is in full swing here: meerkats are constantly busy with their own affairs, while giant tortoises demonstrate unwavering calm. Watching these animals interact in conditions that closely mimic their natural habitat brings unforgettable emotions to both children and adults.

For families with children, there is a special bonus — a 95 sq.m indoor play area. While the little ones conquer the two-story jungle and pirate ships, parents can take a breather in a special relaxation zone, enjoying a cup of aromatic coffee. This balance between education and active play makes a visit to the exotarium a full-day adventure.

Located in the very heart of Sonneberg, the Nautiland Aquarium and Exotarium is highly accessible for tourists. It is easy to find: the facility is located at Marktplatz 2, just a few steps from the main market square. If you are staying in one of the central hotels, the walk to the complex will take only a few minutes.

For those arriving from other areas or neighboring cities by train, the most convenient option is a short taxi ride from the railway station. You can also use local bus routes that stop near the central square. Travelers arriving by car will find it useful to know that there are parking spaces available around Marktplatz, although they can fill up quickly on weekends.

If your starting point is in the suburbs, such as Neufang, the drive will take literally a couple of minutes. Thanks to the city's compactness, Nautiland remains a point of attraction that is easy to reach by any convenient means, while enjoying the cozy streets of southern Thuringia along the way.

The history of the Nautiland Aquarium and Exotarium is inextricably linked to the desire to create a unique space in the center of Sonneberg where the nature of different continents meets under one roof. Over time, this private project has turned into one of the key attractions of the region, drawing thousands of nature lovers every year.

One of the notable features of the complex is its architectural design: within an area of 900 square meters spread across three floors, the creators managed to recreate complex ecosystems. The designers aimed to make every guest feel like an explorer, moving from the depths of the ocean to the parched savanna or the humid tropical jungle.

Over the years of its existence, Nautiland has become more than just an animal exhibition; it is an important educational center. Great attention is paid to the well-being of the inhabitants, which is confirmed by the successful breeding of rare species. For example, the birth of meerkat pups was a major event, highlighting the harmonious atmosphere created by the exotarium staff.

Today, the complex continues to evolve, implementing modern technologies to support the life of marine corals and tropical fish. This place symbolizes a careful attitude toward the diversity of life on the planet, inspiring visitors to study and preserve the environment.

When planning a visit to the Nautiland Aquarium and Exotarium, you should expect that a full tour of the exhibition takes an average of 1.5 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time to leisurely walk through all three floors, lingering by the most interesting aquariums and terrariums.

If you are traveling with children, your stay may be longer. Younger visitors usually spend an additional half hour at the two-level indoor playground, designed in a pirate adventure style. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy a short break in the cozy relaxation area with coffee, watching the children play or observing the behavior of the amusing meerkats in the savanna zone.

To plan your visit to Nautiland, it is important to consider the complex's operating schedule. The aquarium doors are open to guests from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please note that it is usually closed on Mondays; however, during school holidays and public holidays, the complex often operates on the first day of the week as well.

We recommend arriving in the morning to have the opportunity to quietly explore all the exhibits before closing. It is always best to check the current schedule in advance before your trip, especially if your visit falls on a German public holiday.

After immersing yourself in the world of exotic fauna at Nautiland, don't miss the opportunity to discover other interesting locations in the city. A stroll through the historical center will allow you to feel the unique character of this part of Germany and see architectural monuments from different eras.

Exploring the surroundings will significantly enrich your travel experience, as old town halls, fountains, and cozy cafes where you can discuss what you've seen over a cup of coffee are all within walking distance. Below is a list of sites located nearby: