10 years of UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb: Anniversary celebration with excursions, speeches and panel discussion

On July 17, 2025, the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb celebrated its 10th anniversary with a festive event that focused on past successes and the future of the Geopark. Since being designated a UNESCO Geopark in November 2015, the area with its unique karst landscape and significant geological heritage has become an internationally recognized highlight. The anniversary celebrations began with three exciting excursions to geologically and archaeologically significant sites such as the dolomite sand pits near Breithülen, the Vohenbronnen quarry and the Hohle Fels near Schelklingen.

Opening speeches and tributes

The official program then took place at the Remontedepot in Breithülen. Ulrich Ruckh, Mayor of Schelklingen, opened the celebrations and emphasized the determination of the “Älbler”, which had led to the success of the Geopark today. The Minister for Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection, Peter Hauk, emphasized that the Geopark plays a central role not only as a “luxury project”, but also as an “investment area” for education and regional development. Dr. Ulrich Fiedler, District Administrator of the Reutlingen district, praised the Geopark as a unique project that links landscape, geology and human history.

Scientific significance and digital future

In her keynote speech, Prof. Dr. Heidi Megerle, Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board, highlighted the scientific significance of the Geopark. Dr. Gösta Hoffmann from the German UNESCO Commission emphasized the importance of digital accessibility of geological content for younger target groups. Following the speeches, an atmospheric slide show with landscape and animal images of the Swabian Alb provided a relaxing break.

Panel discussion: Looking to the future

The highlight of the program was a panel discussion on the future development of the Geopark, in which topics such as networking, the integration of geological knowledge into school education and increasing the visibility of the Geopark were discussed. The event concluded with live music and Swabian specialties.

Celebratory outlook for further development

The anniversary was not only a review of ten successful years, but also an outlook on the further development of the Geopark as a model for sustainable development and regional cooperation.

Further information on our anniversary event can be found in the press release in the Press & Media section (DE)