25.06.2025 Expansion of the Planet Trail “Reutte under the Stars”

In 2023, the planet trail “Reutte Under the Stars” was created. The museum M"useum im Grünen Haus" was able to inspire both the municipality of Reutte and the Reutte Nature Park Region Tourist Board for this special project and received valuable support from both partners. Since then, numerous school classes, local residents, and visitors have been able to travel through the universe along the trail and discover the wonders of our solar system.

Even at that time, there were plans to expand the planet trail with additional related topics. Sponsors were sought and found, the new subject areas were prepared, graphically designed, and models were created for the display domes. On May 17, 2025, the four additional panels were presented to the public as part of a guided tour.

The new panel on Anton-Maria-Schyrle-Straße introduces the astronomer Father Anton Maria Schyrle de Rheita, after whom the street is named and who was born in Reutte in 1604. He was the finest telescope designer of his time. It is thanks to his work that the name Reutte, as “Rheita,” appears twice on the Moon. Correspondingly, the model in the dome shows a lunar globe with the designated locations. The valley and the crater “Rheita” are highlighted in yellow. So Reutte is not behind the Moon, but appears twice on its near side! If you would like to learn more about Anton Maria Schyrle, this great son of our town, you can simply click HERE.

The second panel focuses on constellations and is located at a spot that is particularly well suited for observing the night sky. The front side of the panel presents the constellations of the northern sky, while the reverse side features those of the southern sky.

Inside the dome there is a model of the stars. In it, the stars that together form the constellation of the “Big Dipper” can be seen. If you bend down and look into it from the front, you can see the constellation exactly as it appears. However, if you look into it from the side, you can see what the constellation looks like when it is not viewed from the perspective of Earth – the stars are not next to each other, but are spread out over 180 light-years!

Another information panel is dedicated to the rocket scientist Wernher von Braun, who was taken over by the Americans in Reutte in 1945. His career and his work for Nazi Germany during the Second World War are addressed, as well as the development of the Saturn V rocket, which ultimately made the Moon landing possible as part of the Apollo missions. A model of his V2 rocket can be seen in the dome.

The fourth of the new panels, located at Reutte’s church square, focuses on timekeeping. The front side traces the path from observing the heavens to the invention of the clock. The reverse side explains the development from the gear mechanism to the atomic clock.

The cube-shaped model inside the dome clearly illustrates the different techniques of time measurement. Each side of the cube represents a different era, showing the methods used at that time.

The circular trail starts and ends at the museum "Museum im Grünen Haus". Along the approximately 2.3 km route, the now 15 information panels provide entertaining and vivid insights into the history of astronomy, the Sun and the various planets, as well as stars, important personalities, and technology.

Data and facts are presented in an easy-to-understand way. Anyone who would like to explore the topic in greater depth can access additional information via the QR code. This content is available in German and English, with further languages in preparation.

The information panels feature true-to-scale, carefully designed models of planets and stars, making the vast distances in space easier to grasp. The first panel about the Sun, located in front of the museum, contains a box with flyers about the planet trail for free distribution. Thanks to solar energy, the Sun model also lights up at night.

Ground markings guide visitors along the trail, which is also suitable for strollers. For young planet enthusiasts, an exciting puzzle game is available at the museum and at the tourist office, and there is a small reward for the correct solution word.

Public guided tours along the planet trail take place every month. The fee is €5 per person and participation is free for members of the museum association as well as for guests with the Aktiv Card of the Reutte Nature Park Region.

The meeting point for the tour is in front of the museum "Museum im Grünen Haus".

The next guided tours will take place at 8:00 p.m. on the following dates – please register in advance:

Tuesday, July 8, August 12, September 9, and October 14, 2025.

We wish you lots of enjoyment on your journey through the universe!

Written by:

Alexandra