The experience is conducted entirely in pitch-black conditions, meaning guests cannot rely on their eyes at any point during the guided tour.
Guides for the tour are people who are blind or visually impaired, providing an authentic perspective on navigating the world.
The exhibition includes different sensory zones that mimic diverse environments like a walk through a forest or a bustling town square.
The project is designed to bridge the gap between sighted and non-sighted people by shifting the power dynamic of 'guiding' to those who are visually impaired.
Das Dunkelexperiment in Burgstaaken is a sensory exhibition where visitors navigate a series of themed rooms in complete darkness. Guided by visually impaired or blind staff members, the experience forces participants to rely exclusively on touch, hearing, and smell to perceive their surroundings. The course simulates various real-world environments, such as a nature setting and an urban street, to illustrate daily life without sight. By stripping away visual input, the museum aims to foster empathy and provide a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals. The facility is located directly in the harbor area of Burgstaaken on the island of Fehmarn. It serves as both an educational attraction and a social project that promotes inclusion through direct experience.
The brightly decorated, colorful exterior entrance signage, which provides a high-contrast backdrop before entering the dark interior.
Use the lockers provided to store all light-emitting devices like phones and watches before entering.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as you will be navigating textured floors and tactile obstacles.
Listen carefully to the guide's instructions at the start, as they are your primary source of safety and navigation.
Do not attempt to bring cameras or glowing electronic gadgets into the dark rooms, as this ruins the sensory calibration for other guests.
Closed during the winter season; generally operational from spring through autumn.
Strictly no light sources permitted inside the exhibition; silence is requested to better perceive ambient soundscapes.
