Freiburg's Mundenhof park unveils a new picnic hut on August 12th.
New Picnic House Opens at Mundenhof Zoo and Farm
Mundenhof, Freiburg's large ecological zoo and farm, has unveiled a unique addition to its grounds – a converted picnic house. The former sheep barn from Cameroon, now transformed through thoughtful architectural renovation, offers a charming and sustainable space for visitors to enjoy their picnics.
The renovation project, made possible by a generous 10,000 euro donation from the PSD L(i)ebenswert foundation, has successfully combined sustainable reuse with functional design. The original timber and structural elements of the barn have been preserved, maintaining a rustic aesthetic while minimizing waste.
The new picnic house boasts an open, airy layout with large openings, creating a light-filled environment suitable for picnics and gatherings. It is situated to offer visitors direct contact with the Mundenhof farm environment, blending indoor and outdoor experiences. The design emphasizes ecological practices such as using natural materials, ensuring good ventilation, and maintaining the barn’s traditional character while upgrading for modern use.
Visitors can find seating furniture for adults and children within the picnic house, and information panels are available for added educational value. The walls are adorned with real impressions of earthman, ostrich, and Cameroon sheep tracks, providing a touch of the barn's history and the Mundenhof's wildlife.
The picnic house is located near the Earthman's stall in the "Exotic Center" of Mundenhof. The Mundenhof hopes for visitor support in achieving its goal of increasing the number of weather-protected gathering spots in the animal enclosure.
In addition, a tactile ostrich egg is provided for discovery in the picnic house, offering a hands-on experience for visitors of all ages.
The picnic house is set to open on August 12, 2022, and the Mundenhof encourages visitors not to feed the animals themselves to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals and the visitors. The picnic house is just one more way that Mundenhof continues to provide engaging and educational experiences for its visitors.
The renovated picnic house, a blend of home-and-garden charm and outdoor-living comfort, now offers visitors a sustainable space for picnics at Mundenhof's zoo and farm. With its open layout, direct contact with the Mundenhof farm environment, and emphasis on ecological practices, this new addition encourages a lifestyle of harmony with nature.
