On 13.07.2015, after about 12 months of the groundbreaking ceremony, the House of the Rivers - Natura 2000 Information Center of the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve - was inaugurated. On more than 300 square meters, the multimedia exhibition on the Elbe-Havel river system informs visitors with its alluvial landscapes and the plant and animal species that occur there.
An exterior model provides information on the landscape forms and the changes that a river produces. The dynamics of the water create habitats for a variety of animal and plant species. Typical trees of hardwood / soft wood and the animals of the meadow are presented. Along the Elbe and Havel, numerous birds find their resting and breeding areas. Visitors can follow the migration of selected species and learn the typical silhouette of the flight to be recognized in nature. Through a virtual aquarium, the underwater world of the Elbe and Havel or life in the river is represented. With different senses, visitors can explore the floodplain in the dark during a night walk. You will get to know nocturnal animals in the biosphere reserve and listen to an impressive background noise. Natural floodplains are also an integral part of flood control because they are able to absorb and gradually release water. Playfully and as an active part of the landscape, visitors can simulate floods on the accessible river and experience the dynamics of the river.
Finally, the House of Rivers Quiz offers the opportunity to playfully explore the topics covered in the exhibition and to test learned knowledge.
On the outdoor area there are exciting and interesting facts about the rivers Elbe and Havel and their floodplains to discover. Environmental education stations on topics such as flood levels, fish of the Havel, flower / bird calendar, tree determination, Auenklänge, grazing animals u.v.m. be explored. A water playground for young and old invites you to play and relax in the outdoor area. Via the pier, an observation deck can be reached from which visitors can enjoy the Havel idyll. On information boards, the NABU informs here about the reconnection of a Havel altar directly in front of the house of the rivers. This renaturation measure exemplifies the cross-border conservation project on the Lower Havel and is included in the exhibition concept of the information center.