Schmetterlingshaus

Ever wonder what it feels like to step into a rainforest without leaving Germany? Here at the Schmetterlingshaus, or Butterfly House, on Mainau Island, you can. The Schmetterlingshaus isn’t just any butterfly exhibit. It’s the largest in Germany, a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life. The Grand Duke Frederick I likely never imagined such a marvel when he commissioned the Italian rose garden in 1871. Now, alongside the baroque palace and palm house, the Schmetterlingshaus draws over a million visitors a year to this 45-hectare island. Inside the Schmetterlingshaus, it’s always summer. The air is thick with humidity, between 80 and 90 percent, and the temperature hovers around a balmy 26 degrees Celsius. This tropical climate is essential, not just for the 700 to 1000 butterflies representing 80 different species, but also for the lush vegetation that thrives within. As you walk through, you’ll be surrounded by a kaleidoscope of fluttering wings. Imagine a flash of brilliant blue, a streak of emerald green, a whisper of orange and black. About a third of these butterflies are born right here, completing their entire life cycle within the Schmetterlingshaus. You might even see a caterpillar munching on a leaf or a chrysalis waiting to unfurl its magic. The rest of the butterflies are imported as pupae from special breeding farms in their native lands, primarily in Africa, Asia, Central and South America. Every week, new pupae arrive, ensuring a constant stream of vibrant new life. The Schmetterlingshaus is more than just a visual feast. It’s also an educational experience. Fifteen information panels in the foyer offer deeper insights into the fascinating world of butterflies. As you cross the little stream and gaze beneath the small waterfall, watching the turtles glide through the water, you’ll realize that Mainau Island truly is a world unto itself.