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Alexander von Humboldt

Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von Humboldt (1769 –1859) was a Prussian geographer and explorer.

Humboldt travelled extensively in the Americas, exploring and describing it for the first time from a modern scientific point of view. He was the first person to describe the phenomenon and cause of human-induced climate change, in 1800 and again in 1831, based on observations generated during his travels. Here you can find a chronological compilation of DW's journalistic content dealing with Alexander von Humboldt.

The Berlin State Library's priceless treasures

The Berlin State Library's priceless treasures 25.01.2021

The Berlin State Library is home to many treasures: From Ludwig van Beethoven's "9th Symphony" music score to researcher and explorer Alexander von Humboldt's estate.
Pure adrenalin: Till Lindemann and Joey Kelly in the Amazon

Pure adrenalin: Till Lindemann and Joey Kelly in the Amazon 25.11.2020

Rammstein singer Till Lindemann and his friend, the musician Joey Kelly, take their canoe up the Rio Yavari. A new book recounts their adventure.
Two brothers, one exhibition: 'Wilhelm and Alexander von Humboldt' at the German Historical Museum

Two brothers, one exhibition: 'Wilhelm and Alexander von Humboldt' at the German Historical Museum 21.11.2019

Alexander and Wilhelm von Humboldt are viewed as cosmopolitans and adventurers. But rather than painting a heroic picture, the first major show on the brothers in Germany depicts them in their historical context.
Wilhelm und Alexander von Humboldt at the German History Museum

Wilhelm und Alexander von Humboldt at the German History Museum 21.11.2019

Gauges and measuring devices, drawings and Alexander von Humboldt's desk — the German History Museum presents 350 objects that illustrate the Humboldt brothers' perspectives and way of thinking.
Humboldt 'topical as ever' on globalism, against exclusion

Humboldt 'topical as ever' on globalism, against exclusion 14.09.2019

Alexander von Humboldt is as 'topical as ever’ in a globalized world riven by racism and nationalism, Culture Minister Monika Grütters told guests at Berlin's 250th birthday party for Germany’s universal scientist.

Humboldt 2.0: Why a scientist born 250 years ago is more relevant than ever

Humboldt 2.0: Why a scientist born 250 years ago is more relevant than ever 13.09.2019

Alexander von Humboldt measured everything in sight. Though many of his discoveries are hard to categorize or have been superseded, his holistic view of nature led the way to how we see and understand the world today.

Tracing Alexander von Humboldt in Europe

Tracing Alexander von Humboldt in Europe 13.09.2019

The Berlin naturalist Alexander von Humboldt is most renowned for his Latin America expedition, but you can also get very close to this great Prussian polymath in many places in Europe.

What's in a name? The Humboldt edition

What's in a name? The Humboldt edition 12.09.2019

The name Alexander von Humboldt may not be instantly recognizable, but it is plastered across the globe in seemingly endless ways. From mountains and squids to schools and flowers, the Prussian explorer is omnipresent.

Alexander von Humboldt: A 19th century German home story

Alexander von Humboldt: A 19th century German home story 11.09.2019

Humboldt's private life was revealed in two watercolors painted by Eduard Hildebrandt. One from 1856 shows him in his Berlin library and encapsulated his entire life by revealing the cluttered rooms of a wunderkind.

What's a Humboldt? Reflections on the elusive Prussian genius

What's a Humboldt? Reflections on the elusive Prussian genius 10.09.2019

Alexander von Humboldt is known throughout Germany and South America. But when DW's Timothy Rooks first encountered him he had no idea what a Humboldt was. Searching for answers led him on a 15-year journey of discovery.
Alexander von Humboldt, the extraordinary plant collector

Alexander von Humboldt, the extraordinary plant collector 09.09.2019

Explorers have long collected plants, but hardly any as feverishly as Alexander von Humboldt in the Spanish American colonies at the turn of the 19th century. He brought the wild colors of the New World to Europe.
Seeing the unicorn. The curious journey of Humboldt's travel journals

Seeing the unicorn. The curious journey of Humboldt's travel journals 06.09.2019

Alexander von Humboldt's Latin American travel journals are a wonder. Their pages detail his expedition and are once again stored in the vaults of Berlin's State Library. Will they ever reveal all their secrets?

Alexander von Humboldt surveying the entire world in 'Cosmos'

Alexander von Humboldt surveying the entire world in 'Cosmos' 29.07.2019

Humboldt returned to Berlin in 1827 after working for two decades in Paris. For the next 30 years, he labored over his most ambitious project to unite everything known about the whole universe in a single work, "Cosmos."
Stage #1: Measuring the New World

Stage #1: Measuring the New World 12.07.2019

Alexander von Humboldt went to South America looking to understanding how "all the forces of nature are intertwined and interconnected". He found the inspiration he needed climbing the volcano Chimborazo. These insights led to his pioneering ideas on ecology and plant geography.
Stage #2: Volcanic Visions in the Andes

Stage #2: Volcanic Visions in the Andes 12.07.2019

During his years in South America, many of Alexander von Humboldt's most poignant moments happened in the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" in Ecuador. Going against the grain, his measurements there led to new geological insights about the way volcanic events shape the face of the Earth.
Stage #3: Respect for Indigenous Cultures

Stage #3: Respect for Indigenous Cultures 12.07.2019

Alexander von Humboldt was fascinated by indigenous cultures. On his South American expedition, he encountered groups whose way of life was untouched by the outside world. Our journey takes us to the Achuar at the border of Peru and Ecuador.

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