In touch with nature

In the northeast of Rügen on the peninsula Jasmund, there is not only a breath-taking coastline but also Germany’s smallest national park, which contains nearly 500 hectares of the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site Alte Buchenwälder. During the construction of the new exterior cladding of the Visitor Centre, which is located high up on the famed chalk cliff Königsstuhl and welcomes nearly 300,000 visitors annually, the region’s connection to nature was to be reflected in the design and so cladding made of the naturally renewable raw material wood was installed. To create a long-lasting durable and aesthetic appearance, solid wood cladding in Siberian Larch from Osmo Holz und Color GmbH & Co. KG was used.

With its lush vegetation, the blue sea, over 60 km of sand beaches and impressive white chalk cliffs, Rügen is considered one of Germany’s most beautiful islands and offers interesting views into over 70 million years of geological history. The nearly untouched nature of the Alte Buchenwälder is among some the last unspoiled forests in Europe. Under the banner of Fascination Wilderness, the planed cladding from Osmo gives the Königsstuhl Visitor Centre as highlight of the National Park a unique close-to-nature look and provides the structure a harmonious integration into the flora and fauna of the surroundings. Wood from Siberian Larch is hard, durable and, thanks to its high resin content, highly weather-resistant. For additional protection against the extreme weather conditions of the Baltic See coast, the Siberian Larch Rhombus Boards were faced with a two-coat treatment with Osmo Holzschutz Öl-Lasur 702 Larch. This wood stain based on renewable raw materials protects reliably against algae, mould and fungi, and it makes wood water and dirt repellent. With this treatment, the timber cladding obtains a microporous breathable surface and stays attractive for a long time. The natural interplay of colour with yellow and red-brown nuances as well as the grain and knot pattern allow the frontage of the Visitor Centre to shine in an elegant unspoiled appearance. Inside many exciting impressions are awaiting adventurers big and small on the 2,000 sq. metres of exhibition area and on the 28,000 sq. metre grounds. Along with the interactive exhibition with audio-guided themed journeys spread over four floors revealing the secrets of Jasmund National Park, a multi-vision cinema, outlook platform on the 118-metre-high Königsstuhl cliff, several aquariums and even a real iceberg will also make nature enthusiasts’ hearts leap.