"We're in Sayn (there's a pun waiting to happen!)" Bendorf-Sayn by JAFA-Rease

My daughter loves butterflies. So, on her 3rd birthday I found and took her to a butterfly garden in Sayn, Germany.

You can find general directions on in the "tips" section of this page.

It's only about an hour from where I live, assuming you aren't driving through a major snowstorm, as we were. It's also well worth the visit!

Butterflies and Flowers

It was our first time to a butterfly garden. As such, we didn't know what to expect. I, for one was pretty impressed.

The garden held not only hundreds of butterflies of different (and very colorful) species. It held various tropical birds, fish and fish ponds, turtles, exotic foliage and flowers, water fountains, waterfalls, iguanas (up to 6 foot long) and side displays of hatching butterflies.

One view of the garden layout

I picked up my daughter in time for her nap. She was still asleep when we arrived. So, I carried her, asleep, into the butterfly garden.

I must make a note on here on the help in the garden. The elder German lady who took our money to enter was exceptional! Not only was she perceptive enough to notice that I was travelling alone with a toddler, but she also personally escorted us into the butterfly garden and charged us lower rates for showing in the afternoon.

She guided us to a private bench, while I woke my daughter (Silene). When Silene woke, she was a bit disoriented. She quickly recognized the butterflies though! Exclamations of "daddy, look, butterflies" and "daddy, look, birds" made the trip more than fulfilling!

Sayn has other things to offer, like a castle. I've seen enough castles. If you are in Germany and want to take a child to a warm environment that will expose them to new and exciting things, this is the place to go.

• Pros:If you have a toddler, bring them here!
• Cons:Can't think of one.