Over the past few years, a project that is unique in the region has been created on the site of the former Muna ammunition plant in Münster-Breitefeld in collaboration with Deutsche Bahn, the Federal Agency for Real Estate and the municipality of Münster. The Wisentwald (Bison Forest) nature trail and viewing platform were opened last October with many visitors taking advantage of the opening days to observe the bison and Przewalski’s horses.before the winter break.

On Thursday, March 21, 2024, the “hibernation” in the Muna ended – and with it, the permanent exhibition “MUNATUR – from munitions facility to biotope” of the municipality of Münster will open its doors for the first time in one of the former bunkers.

Opening hours between March and October

The nature trail leading to the Muna site is accessible at all times as it is located outside the fenced area. The site itself, with its viewing platform and exhibition bunker, has fixed opening hours and admission is free:

Open from March 21 to October 27, 2024, Thursdays to Sundays from
9 am to 6 pm!

You must leave the exhibition not later than 6 PM since it will be secured by the security service.

A highlight of the site is the viewing platform from which bison and wild horses can be observed. Photo: Meike Mittmeyer-Riehl

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is implementing various nature and species conservation projects as part of the new Frankfurt-Mannheim rail line. In this way, it is compensating for the areas deforested in the construction process. One highlight is the former munitions facility, which has developed into a unique forest complex since the withdrawal of the US troops. DB wants to preserve this and has settled several bison and Przewalski’s horses on the 260-hectare site as acting as natural landscape conservationists.

In order to make the area accessible to the public and to make the topic of environmental and nature conservation tangible, DB has set up the Wisentwald nature experience trail in cooperation with the Schwarzenborn Federal Forestry Office – a local recreational and educational offer for young and old. Graffiti artist Case Maclaim has also designed the interior of one of the existing bunkers and the exterior of two other bunkers with large-scale motifs of bison and wild horses.

Subject areas

– History of Muna Münster
– Wilderness in the bison forest (wild forest, natural forest)
– Climate forest (robust tree species, old forests, forest lifeline)
– Forest ecosystem (biodiversity, forest habitat)
– Climate protection (carbon dioxide sinks, carbon reservoirs, forest fires)
– Role of DB AG (pioneer in climate protection, DB climate forest, This is green.)
– Bison and Przewalski’s horses as landscape conservationists
– Biological diversity
– Biodiversity of animals and plants

Exhibits

– 19 information boards along the access route
– 4 information boards on the viewing platform
– 31 smaller boards, information signs and animal silhouettes
– Historical tree slice
– Animal long jump pit
– Tree trunk for balancing
– Quiz cube
– Ball balancing
– Stone and deadwood pile
– Deadwood logs with nesting aids
– Nature memory
– Barefoot path
– Stationary binoculars

Artistic design

– Bunker designed by the graffiti artist Case
– Design of 2 bunkers with banners by the graffiti artist Case

Graffiti artist Case Maclaim has artistically staged this special place. Photo: GM/Meike Mittmeyer-Riehl

Permanent exhibition “MUNATUR”

The exhibition, conceived by the Babenhausen Office for Remembrance Culture, traces the eventful history of the Muna in images, text and sound. It takes a look at the “mysterious site in the forest” and also looks at the changing relationship between the Muna and Münster and its population. Many contemporary witnesses were interviewed for the exhibition – from US Army veterans to the former mayor. Local residents and the local history and heritage association provided photos and letters.

The Muna exhibition of the municipality of Münster in one of the former bunker facilities. Photo: Meike Mittmeyer-Riehl

Guided tours with Kevin Dunn (fully booked!)

Once a month on Saturdays, US Army Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Dunn (Retired) invites you to a free approximate 45-minute guided tour focusing on Muna history/the permanent exhibition. These tours can be held in German or English. Donations are welcome and will go towards the maintenance and preservation of the exhibition. The meeting point is in front of the gate to the site at the end of the 1.5-kilometer nature trail, which must be covered on foot or by bike beforehand (see map).

Unfortunately, all public tours and special tours for larger groups (clubs, school classes) are currently fully booked with Kevin Dunn. We will inform you as soon as new dates are available. Thank you for the great interest!

US military personnel can contact the city at below contact to see if exceptions can be made:

muna@muenster-hessen.de

The Muna exhibition bunker is sponsored by:

 

Funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas.

Co-funded by the state of Hesse as part of the rural development plan for the state of Hesse 2014 – 2020

This code will take you directly to the EAFRD program of the Hessian Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection, Agriculture and Consumer Protection.

Address, parking and further information:

Address: Urberacher Weg, 64839 Münster-Breitefeld

The nature trail is approx. 1.5 kilometers long and can only be walked or cycled. Several exhibits and information boards line the path. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. The path is suitable for baby carriages and wheelchairs. Dogs must be kept on a lead.

It is recommended to park at the “Freizeitzentrum” (public park adjacent to the old kaserne) (near “Auszeit bei Maki”). From there, follow the footpath towards Breitefeld until the signs for “Wisentwald” begin. A limited number of parking spaces are also available in the area marked on the map on Urberacher Weg (blue P) (click on the map to enlarge):

Here you can download detailed, illustrated directions to the meeting point of the guided tours (PDF document)

Rules of the game

• Wild animals do not like noise. Shouting,whistling, clapping and running reduce the likelihood of spotting bison and co.
• Dogs must be kept on a lead!
• Please leave the nature trail as you found it and take your garbage back with you or dispose of it in the garbage cans.

Catering

There are no catering facilities directly on site, but you are welcome to bring your own provisions (take your garbage back with you please!). The “Auszeit bei Maki” restaurant at the Münster leisure center will be open again from 19 March 2024 (Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m.). A refreshment stop before or after a tour is therefore a good idea. You can also park there, the nature trail is within walking distance. Phone “Auszeit bei Maki”: 06071 3913650, to the Facebook-page”Auszeit bei Maki”