Working Together for the Geopark: Information Centers Spark New Ideas

At Katzenstein Castle in Dischingen, where this year’s Geopark Festival will take place, the event on April 17, 2026, was not just about sharing information, but above all about discussing, brainstorming, and networking: The information centers of the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb came together to share current developments and generate new ideas for their collaborative work.

The meeting focused on how to make the geopark even more visible and accessible. The geopark office presented some exciting developments in this regard: The network of geopark schools continues to grow, and a new app developed as part of the EU project INTERREG Danube GeoTour Plus is designed to engage families in particular through innovative means—such as offering insights into the Jurassic Sea era via augmented reality.

Fresh ideas, digital projects, and a strong local commitment

There’s also a lot happening in the area of public relations: new publications, planned poster campaigns, and additional content on the website are intended to help raise awareness of the Geopark. At the same time, expanding the information centers remains a key goal—the long-term aim is for every district to be represented within the Geopark.

The meeting became particularly lively during the exchange among the information centers themselves: This highlighted the high level of commitment to local work—despite challenges such as staff shortages or structural limitations. Many reported on new offerings, rising visitor numbers, and creative solutions.

Looking ahead, the focus was also on joint events such as the Geopark Festival on July 19 at Katzenstein Castle and the EGN Weeks. It became clear that personal interaction and the strong network are among the Geopark’s greatest strengths—and the best foundation for everything to come.

More information about Katzenstein Castle

Click here for the information centers of the UNESCO Swabian Alb Geopark