UNESCO Global Geopark Makes an Appearance at the Ulrichsfest and Donaufest
With information booths at the Berg Brewery’s Ulrichsfest in Ehingen and the International Danube Festival in Ulm, the Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark was represented at two of the region’s largest events in recent weeks. The focus was on the international significance of the Swabian Alb as a UNESCO Global Geopark, personal interactions with visitors, and the presentation of current projects.The UNESCO Global Geopark Schwäbische Alb was present at two major events in the Alb-Donau district over the past few weeks. It kicked off with the Berg Brewery’s traditional Ulrichsfest in Ehingen-Berg. A few days later, it made an appearance at the International Danube Festival in Ulm and Neu-Ulm.
The UNESCO Global Geopark Schwäbische Alb was present at two major events in the Alb-Donau district over the past few weeks. It kicked off with the Berg Brewery’s traditional Ulrichsfest in Ehingen-Berg. A few days later, it made an appearance at the International Danube Festival in Ulm and Neu-Ulm.
At the Ulrichsfest, the Geopark team presented the geological history of the Swabian Alb, the network of geopoints and information centers, and the responsibilities of a UNESCO Global Geopark. At the same time, the event offered a glimpse into future collaboration with the Berg Brewery: This long-established family-owned brewery will be officially designated as an information center for the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb soon. In the future, visitors will be able to learn about the Geopark, its mission, and the region’s geological features there.
The UNESCO Global Geopark Schwäbische Alb was also represented at the International Danube Festival with a booth in the themed tent. A key focus of the information booth was the INTERREG project Danube GeoTour Plus, which is being implemented in collaboration with partners from ten countries along the Danube. The project aims to further develop geoparks across national borders and to promote sustainable and inclusive geotourism.
An interactive geology game also drew a great deal of interest. Visitors were able to test their knowledge of the Swabian Alb, match geological features to the correct locations, and discover the region from a new perspective.
With approximately 420,000 visitors over ten days, the International Danube Festival is one of the largest cultural events along the Danube. Guided by the themes of encounter, friendship, and European solidarity, the festival provided the perfect setting to bring to life the European spirit of UNESCO Global Geoparks and cross-border cooperation in the Danube region.
“Events like the Ulrichsfest or the International Danube Festival in particular show just how valuable personal interaction is. Of course, we provide information about the Geopark’s work through our website, social media, and many other channels. But nothing can replace a direct, face-to-face conversation. It’s wonderful to strike up conversations with people, answer their questions, and see just how much interest there is in the Swabian Alb and its international significance as a UNESCO Global Geopark,” says Iris Bohnacker, Executive Director of the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb.
Through its participation in regional events and the ongoing expansion of its network of information centers, the UNESCO Global Geopark Schwäbische Alb brings its themes to life for an ever-growing number of people and raises awareness that the Schwäbische Alb is one of the world’s most significant landscapes.
More information
Ulrichsfest in Ehingen
Internationales Donaufest in Ulm und Neu-Ulm
