The new “Grouse Experience World” combines interactive experiences and child-friendly environmental education with nature conservation and tourism
How can we inspire families to protect Alpine flora and fauna during their leisure time? The “Tufted Grouse Adventure World” at the top station of the Riedbergerhornbahn double chairlift (Balderschwang, Germany), which will open on August 1, 2026, offers a creative answer to this question. Custom-designed Wood’n’Fun elements from Sunkid bring the habitat of these rare and endangered birds to life, transforming a hike into an exciting journey of research and discovery.
“The Rock Ptarmigan Adventure World combines nature experiences and environmental education in a unique way: Interactive information stations, a wooden playground shaped like a grouse, and Wooden Ball Tracks playfully convey knowledge about the rare grouse, their habitat, and the importance of treating alpine nature with respect.
The project does more than simply impart knowledge. Through carefully designed trails, it helps guide visitors through the sensitive Nagelfluhkette Nature Park and contributes to balancing nature conservation with tourism.”
(Source: Mountain Railways website)
The starting point and thematic centerpiece of the adventure world is a nearly five-meter-tall, custom-designed capercaillie (the largest member of the “grouse” genus) made of natural wood. This striking play structure—designed and produced by Sunkids partner Almholz—invites visitors to climb and slide, bringing the trail’s central figure to life for young and old alike.
Along the approximately two-kilometer-long trail from the mountain station to the valley station, visitors learn interesting facts about the rare grouse, their habitat, and how to treat alpine nature with respect through ten informational panels as well as interactive quiz and game stations. Wooden Ball Tracks—each individually designed with a wide variety of obstacles and sound elements and totaling over 200 meters in length—along with a wooden marble hole maze ensure that physical activity, play, and learning merge into a holistic nature experience.
This Wood’n’Fun project demonstrates once again the added value that can be created by combining high-quality wood design, thematic presentation, and playful learning. This unique family attraction encourages visitors to spend more time in the mountains while also raising awareness about the protection of a sensitive alpine habitat.
