In 1883 Otto Maier, a young book shop assistant from Ravensburg, Germany, signed his first publishing contract and started to release instructions for architects and craftspeople. Only a year later, he designed his first aesthetic board game “Die Reise um die Erde” (Journey around the World). His personal interests in arts and design, nature and geography had a strong influence on his publishing. Within 30 years, his product portfolio grew to several hundred books and games. Another inspiration was the works of educationalists like Froebel and Pestalozzi. So the publisher developed special products for creative children’s play and guide books for their parents and educators.

Already in the early stages of his company Otto Maier decided on his company motto that remains valid today: Use just the best in quality, appeal to the hearts, the brains and the souls and never glorify violence. – Obviously, a good recipe for success.

Almost everyone knows Ravensburger’s classic games like “Coppit” (1927), “Mix and Match” (1959) or “Malefiz/Barricade” (1960). For more than 120 years children and teenagers have been growing up with Ravensburger’s fiction, non-fiction and picture books. What is more, with their great variety of jigsaws Ravensburger is leading puzzle manufacturer in Europe.

Three generations of the Maier family managed the Ravensburger publishing house. Today the international company is a real global player headquartered in Ravensburg with 2,400 employees around the world.

Over 120 years of experience manufacturing products that encourage children and adults to explore, discover, learn, and laugh.