More than 1,500 authentic exhibits in the former harbor station directly on the shores of Lake Constance
Address: Zeppelin Museum, Seestraße 22, 88045 Friedrichshafen | Opened: 1996 | Annual Visitors: > 240,000
The Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen is the perfect place to answer questions about how big a zeppelin is and how they were able to fly. There are more than 1,500 original exhibits from the world of zeppelins. In addition, there are photos, film, and audio recordings to bring the collection to life. Multimedia also allows you to experience airship travel up close and immerse yourself in history, following in the footsteps of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin.
Directions and location of the Friedrichshafen landmark
The Zeppelin Museum is easy to find, as it is located directly on the lakeshore. Anyone heading to Friedrichshafen Harbor can’t miss it. The striking white building was formerly the harbor station. On the lakeside, the Mole Tower rises into the sky. On the cityside, a large glass facade makes a striking impression. The lake station, the customs office, the Autoquai ferry dock, and the ferry terminal are in the immediate vicinity. The bus station is also nearby.
Opening Hours and Tours
A tour of the Zeppelin Museum is possible during the following opening hours:
Zeppelin Museum Opening Hours
November to April:
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
May to October:
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Archive and Library Opening Hours
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays:
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Only possible by prior appointment by calling +49 7541-3801-70
Zeppelin Museum Admission Prices
The Zeppelin Museum offers different admission prices to visit the unique exhibition and immerse yourself in the history of airship travel. Regular tickets and reduced admission prices are available as follows:
Zeppelin Museum Admission Prices
Single Adult Ticket
€12.50
Single Child/Youth Ticket (6-16 years)
€7.00
Single Senior Ticket
€11.50
Reduced Single Ticket
€8.00
Trial Price for Adults (admission from 4:00 PM):
€7.50
Trial Price (admission from 4:00 PM):
€5.00
Family Ticket:
€29.00
Annual Ticket:
€35.00
The reduced admission prices apply to severely disabled persons, students, and schoolchildren, but not to trainees. Unemployed persons also receive a discount upon presentation of valid proof of employment.
Guided Tours of the Zeppelin Museum
There are various types of guided tours offered by the Zeppelin Museum. A guided tour allows you to view the collection of presentations and gain insights into the areas of technology and art, while also providing an overview of the Zeppelin Museum’s unique concept.
Tours are offered in various languages, and there are even tours of the Zeppelin Museum in sign language.
The Zeppelin Museum also offers tours of the temporary exhibitions. Exhibition-related workshops are also offered for adults and children.
To ensure that everyone can enjoy a tour of the Zeppelin Museum, there are special tours designed to meet the needs of specific, disadvantaged groups.
Special tours are offered specifically for the blind and visually impaired, the deaf, the mentally disabled, and those with dementia, tailored to their specific needs.
Those who would like to explore the Zeppelin Museum on their own and still learn a lot can download the Zeppelin Museum app to their smartphone. These are available for iPhone and Android devices. They offer not only guided tours with specific themes, but also a mode for explorers to take a virtual tour of the museum.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Zeppelin Museum
When did the Zeppelin Museum open?
The Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen, Germany, opened in 1996.
How long does a tour of the Zeppelin Museum take?
An average tour of the Zeppelin Museum usually lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. However, the exact duration can vary depending on individual interest in the exhibits and the pace at which one moves. There are many interesting exhibits and information to discover, so visitors are encouraged to allow some extra time to explore everything at their own pace.
Zeppelin Museum – Special Features and Interesting Facts
The Zeppelin Museum is a special experience in Friedrichshafen, offering a unique immersion in the history of airship travel. Opened in 1996, the museum presents over 1,500 original exhibits for interested visitors to admire and marvel at.
The museum’s collection on airship travel is the world’s largest in terms of history and technology. Of particular interest is the replica of part of the LZ 129 “Hindenburg,” which was destroyed by fire during its landing on May 6, 1937, in Lake Hurst, New Jersey. The faithful reconstruction is even accessible.
A special experience of the exhibition at the Zeppelin Museum is the vivid explanation of the “lighter-than-air” principle behind the Zeppelin concept. In addition, visitors can experiment and try out how the Zeppelin principle works at various stations.
The museum’s art collection features the greatest masters of southern Germany, from the Middle Ages to modern artists. Among others, you can discover works by Max Ackermann, Otto Dix, and Willi Baumeister, who retreated to Lake Constance during the Third Reich. There are also regularly exciting temporary exhibitions.
Historical Information and History of the Zeppelin Museum
The history of the museum at the port of Friedrichshafen dates back to 1869, when the Association for the History of Lake Constance and the Surrounding Area opened a collection of materials to the public. This was the first museum on Lake Constance.
The so-called Lake Constance Museum was expanded in 1912 with the addition of a Zeppelin Cabinet. In 1983, it moved to a larger building offering 1,000 square meters of exhibition space. During World War II, a large part of the collection was destroyed by bombing raids. The collection of Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH was not damaged. However, the French occupation forces transferred the collection to France.
It wasn’t until 1960 that large parts of the Zeppelin collection returned to Lake Constance. These were exhibited in the museum wing of the newly built town hall on the fourth floor. In 1985, the premises were remodeled to make it significantly more attractive for those interested in technology and art.
The idea for a new museum building was born in the 1980s. Towards the end of the 1980s, a unique opportunity arose to acquire the harbor station, which belonged to the German Federal Railway and had begun operations in 1933.
Both the city of Friedrichshafen and the Friends of the Zeppelin Museum provided significant financial resources for the renovation and design of the 4,000 m² exhibition space. Since 1996, visitors have been able to marvel at the Zeppelin Museum’s holdings and immerse themselves in the history of airship travel.
Sights and attractions in the immediate vicinity of the Zeppelin Museum
If you leave the Zeppelin Museum after an eventful and exciting day and head to the shore of Lake Constance, you’ll find yourself directly at the harbor, from where car ferries and the White Fleet depart, transporting their passengers to other locations on the lake.
It’s impressive to see the ease with which these steel colossi, weighing several tons, glide through the water.
If you walk along Seestraße, you’ll reach the harbor pier. From there, you can watch the ships entering and leaving the harbor. The best place to do this is from the observation deck of the pier tower.
From the Zeppelin Museum, the waterfront promenade and the waterfront park are quickly accessible. There are green meadows, trees that provide shade, and several interesting things to discover. The park is home to the Zeppelin Fountain and the bronze Zeppelin Memorial. The stele is 13 meters high and was erected in honor of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin.
On Buchhornplatz, directly next to the Zeppelin Museum, there is a modern fountain made of Carrara marble, designed by Alex F. Otterbach. At first glance, the fountain may not seem particularly impressive. But upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the water flows in a circular pattern to the basin, passing through several steps. With a height of 270 centimeters, a diameter of 460 centimeters, and exceptional stonemasonry, the modern fountain is certainly impressive.
Cafés and Restaurants Near the Zeppelin Museum
A long tour of the Zeppelin Museum will make you thirsty and hungry. You won’t have to walk far to satisfy these needs, as there are several restaurants and cafés nearby that cater to your culinary needs with a wonderful selection of food and drinks. There are cozy outdoor terraces that invite you to linger, offering a great view of Lake Constance and the mountain panorama.
Restaurant at the Zeppelin Museum
The museum restaurant is located directly within the museum. The restaurant at the Zeppelin Museum features a modern design with a bar and offers guests Swabian specialties. Sitting comfortably inside or outside on the outdoor terrace, enjoying delicious food and the indescribable view of the lake and the mountain panorama perfectly rounds off a visit to the Zeppelin Museum.
Address: Restaurant at the Zeppelin Museum, Seestraße 22
The Grillhaus Schussen is a decommissioned ferry boat that sits on dry land and is located on Seestraße. There’s a cozy lounge area to unwind. On the upper deck and terrace, guests can enjoy delicious food, cocktails, or coffee specialties, indulge in a treat, and enjoy the magnificent view.
Address: Grillhaus Schussen, Seestraße 28
Pizzeria Centrale is located on Karlstraße and offers its guests Italian delicacies and specialties. In addition to Neapolitan stone-baked pizza, the menu includes delicious salad creations, pasta dishes, and a fine selection of drinks.
Address: Pizzeria Centrale, Karlstraße 59
Café im Rathaus
If you’d like to enjoy an international breakfast, simply sip a coffee specialty, or sample regional delicacies before visiting the Zeppelin Museum, the Café am Rathaus serves all of this in a modern setting. Located on Adenauerplatz, the café is easy to find.
Address: Café im Rathaus, Adenauerplatz 1
Felders Restaurant on Karlstraße offers its guests sophisticated regional delicacies and lovingly prepared international dishes in an elegant atmosphere with tastefully set tables. The outdoor terrace offers a magnificent view of Lake Constance and the mountain panorama.
Address: Felders Restaurant, Karlstraße 42