The museum structure utilizes a sustainable energy concept, including a heat pump system powered by geothermal energy.
The collection spans over 80 historical vehicles, some dating back to the early 20th century.
The museum includes a 1930s-style campfire area to simulate the origins of the camping experience.
The interior layout is designed as a circular path that simulates a trip through different global landscapes and historical eras.
Erwin Hymer, the founder, created his first caravan prototype, the 'Troll', in 1957.
The museum building design was inspired by the shape of a caravan and the concept of travel routes.
Exhibits are rotated periodically to highlight different technical innovations in motorhome construction.
The Erwin Hymer Museum is a specialized exhibition space in Bad Waldsee dedicated to the history of mobile homes, caravans, and motorhome travel. The facility is housed in a modern, architecturally distinct building featuring a large, glass-enclosed atrium that showcases historic and contemporary recreational vehicles. Exhibits trace the evolution of camping from early tent trailers and classic caravans to modern, high-tech motorhomes. The museum emphasizes the sociological and technical development of leisure travel over the last century. Visitors can walk through various vehicles to experience different eras of interior design and living solutions. The collection includes prototypes, custom builds, and landmark production models from various manufacturers, not just the Hymer brand. Interactive displays and multimedia stations provide context on the engineering challenges of mobile architecture. The site serves as both a historical archive and a hub for the global caravanning community.
The elevated viewing platform at the top of the ramp provides a panoramic, high-angle view of the entire museum floor.
Allow extra time for the interactive discovery stations located throughout the exhibition floor.
Wear comfortable shoes as the museum floor covers a significant area and involves walking between various vehicle levels.
Check the museum's website for temporary special exhibitions, as they frequently bring in rare loaner vehicles from private collectors.
Do not rush through the lower levels; the most detailed technical history exhibits are often overlooked by visitors heading straight for the full-sized vehicles.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
Maintain a quiet volume to respect other visitors viewing the interior exhibits; do not touch the vintage vehicle upholstery unless marked as open to the public.
