Planetenlehrpfad Bonn, Planet trail in Bonn, Germany

The Planetenlehrpfad Bonn is an educational trail along the Rhine that displays the planets of our solar system at a scale of 1 to 1 billion. Bronze plaques at 13 stations mark the positions of the sun, planets, and other celestial bodies across a total length of about 6 kilometers.

The trail opened in September 2002 after two years of preparation, initiated by Bonn's Bertolt-Brecht-Gesamtschule. Seventh-grade pupils built the models with support from regional training firms, the chambers of crafts and sponsors, and the Marburg institute for the blind helped make the plaques readable in Braille. In April 2004 orientation signs showing the whole route were added.

The installations carry names rooted in Roman mythology that connect the heavens to ancient stories. Information at each station appears in both standard text and Braille, reflecting how the path welcomes visitors of all abilities.

The trail starts at the old waterworks where a large sun model marks the beginning and extends northward through different districts. Wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time to walk at a leisurely pace and read the information at each station.

Despite the vast distance between planets, the distance between Earth and Moon at this scale measures only 38 centimeters. This surprisingly small gap reveals how close our moon actually orbits to us.