Support
If you would like to change the illuminant of your COLUMBUS globe or update your Explorer Pen, you will find further information below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question? Then the answer can probably be found in our FAQ. If not, feel free to contact us at:
info@columbus-verlag.de
The maps of all illuminated COLUMBUS globes are highly up-to-date. The task of our in-house cartography is to check possible changes in our various databases every day. However, we only consider changes that are valid according to the Western world.
We further ensure actuality by keeping the total print run of the maps very small. Thus, in the worst case it can happen that you get a globe with a map of the previous year's status. An exceeding of 12 months is usually never reached.
The main difference between an acrylic and a crystal glass sphere is largely in the high quality. For example, the map of a crystal glass sphere shows more brilliance when being illuminated, which is due to the structure of the crystal glass sphere. In addition, we only use mouth-blown crystal glass spheres, which are still made by hand. Therefore, there are certain limits to the size of the sphere. For diameters of 60 cm and above, the globes can only be made with an acrylic sphere.
Globes with acrylic spheres perform very well in terms of price-performance ratio.
The special feature of the Mikado floor globe are, of course, the artistic and playful stainless steel tubes. The floor globe is supplied not only with the globe and the tubes, but also with a small disc with three precisely fitting holes. The tubes can be inserted into the holes of the disc, which thus assume their characteristic, slanted position. Therefore, they can not simply come apart and drop the ball in the process.
Sustainability has always been an important topic at COLUMBUS.
Starting with the energy for our location in Krauchenwies, which we produce ourselves through photovoltaic systems from 85% to 88% CO2-neutrally, depending on the weather.
To the use of sustainable materials. We source wood exclusively from certified sustainable forestry, so that the forests retain their diversity and vitality in the future.
All the way to the responsible handling of waste. In a production facility like ours, it is unavoidable that sometimes parts are produced that do not meet our high quality standards. However, we feel obliged to produce as little waste as possible and therefore these parts are regranulated in a mill, cleaned and finally mixed with the non-visible parts of our globe models.
Every day, the COLUMBUS sustainability strategy is further developed and advanced, ensuring that you can bring a COLUMBUS globe into your home and display it with a clear conscience.
Starting with the energy for our location in Krauchenwies, which we produce ourselves through photovoltaic systems from 85% to 88% CO2-neutrally, depending on the weather.
To the use of sustainable materials. We source wood exclusively from certified sustainable forestry, so that the forests retain their diversity and vitality in the future.
All the way to the responsible handling of waste. In a production facility like ours, it is unavoidable that sometimes parts are produced that do not meet our high quality standards. However, we feel obliged to produce as little waste as possible and therefore these parts are regranulated in a mill, cleaned and finally mixed with the non-visible parts of our globe models.
Every day, the COLUMBUS sustainability strategy is further developed and advanced, ensuring that you can bring a COLUMBUS globe into your home and display it with a clear conscience.
The cable with an external cable routing exits at the level of the south pole at the meridian. The internal cable routing results in the cable exiting below the base plate.
For example, all floor globes have internal cable routing.
For example, all floor globes have internal cable routing.
The term cartography describes the science and technology of creating maps. For this purpose, a wide variety of sources of survey data, aerial and satellite images and the latest computer technology are collected and evaluated.
At COLUMBUS Verlag GmbH & Co. KG, the data sources are combined by hand on the computer to create a highly up-to-date, digital map. However, this only resembles the map on a globe in minor aspects, as it is divided into twelve evenly and oval-shaped segments for printing. Every day, our cartographer makes changes to these segments so that the map image always reflects the latest developments.
At COLUMBUS Verlag GmbH & Co. KG, the data sources are combined by hand on the computer to create a highly up-to-date, digital map. However, this only resembles the map on a globe in minor aspects, as it is divided into twelve evenly and oval-shaped segments for printing. Every day, our cartographer makes changes to these segments so that the map image always reflects the latest developments.
The task of a cartographer is to keep the COLUMBUS maps up to date. For this purpose, various sources have to be researched on a daily basis and any possible changes have to be checked.
Unlike in the past, however, changes can be made more easily, because with digitalization the maps can now be edited on the computer. This saves a lot of time and ensures that the maps are always up to date. The constant threat of drastic events, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, can thus be responded to much more quickly. At the time, this almost led to the ruin of COLUMBUS Verlag.
The state of the art technology therefore means a great relief not only for our cartographers, but for the entire company.
Unlike in the past, however, changes can be made more easily, because with digitalization the maps can now be edited on the computer. This saves a lot of time and ensures that the maps are always up to date. The constant threat of drastic events, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, can thus be responded to much more quickly. At the time, this almost led to the ruin of COLUMBUS Verlag.
The state of the art technology therefore means a great relief not only for our cartographers, but for the entire company.
For hand-coated globes, the map, which is first divided into 12 segments, is glued on by hand.
During machine production, a machine pulls a special foil with the map printed on it into a hemisphere shape. The hemispheres are then assembled by hand to form a whole globe. However, the vacuum-forming technique causes the map image to lose its brilliance and detail.
The hand-coated maps, on the other hand, captivate with brilliant colors and a highly refined resolution, just like HD television.
Note for experts: Hand-coated COLUMBUS globes are printed with a 105 screen, while only a 60 screen is possible for machine-produced COLUMBUS globes.
During machine production, a machine pulls a special foil with the map printed on it into a hemisphere shape. The hemispheres are then assembled by hand to form a whole globe. However, the vacuum-forming technique causes the map image to lose its brilliance and detail.
The hand-coated maps, on the other hand, captivate with brilliant colors and a highly refined resolution, just like HD television.
Note for experts: Hand-coated COLUMBUS globes are printed with a 105 screen, while only a 60 screen is possible for machine-produced COLUMBUS globes.
For illuminated COLUMBUS globes, hand-coating means that a total of 12 map segments are glued to a globe by hand by a professional.
Thanks to the production by hand, COLUMBUS globes become a high-class manufactured product.
Thanks to the production by hand, COLUMBUS globes become a high-class manufactured product.
In the case of machine-produced globes, the map is printed on a special foil, which is pulled into a hemisphere shape by a machine using a vacuum. These hemispheres are then assembled by hand to form a whole globe, which is marked by a band around the equator.
This process used to be a great step forward towards a globe ready for mass productio
This process used to be a great step forward towards a globe ready for mass productio
The color theory is the basis for illuminated globes with two different maps.
Two different maps can be displayed in different lighting states - illuminated as well as non-illuminated - by means of a complex duplex printing.
Non-illuminated, for example, the popular COLUMBUS DUO globe shows the political depiction of our earth. When the globe is illuminated, the invisible colors printed on the inside mix with the colors on the outside, creating a different image - in this case, the physical map.
Two different maps can be displayed in different lighting states - illuminated as well as non-illuminated - by means of a complex duplex printing.
Non-illuminated, for example, the popular COLUMBUS DUO globe shows the political depiction of our earth. When the globe is illuminated, the invisible colors printed on the inside mix with the colors on the outside, creating a different image - in this case, the physical map.
Deliveries are only possible to delivery addresses within Europe, Switzerland and Norway. For deliveries outside Europe, please contact our customer service. This can be reached either by telephone at 07576/96030 or by mail (info@columbus-verlag.de).
Delivery is made exclusively by DHL, DPD, UPS and if necessary by forwarding agency. No deliveries can be made to packing stations!
Shipping within Germany is free of charge.
Shipping to Austria, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg costs a flat rate of 6,90€.
Shipping to France, Great Britain, Denmark, Liechtenstein and Switzerland costs a flat rate of 14,95€.
Shipping costs for orders to Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Sweden, Norway and Finland are a flat rate of 20,00€.
Delivery is made exclusively by DHL, DPD, UPS and if necessary by forwarding agency. No deliveries can be made to packing stations!
Shipping within Germany is free of charge.
Shipping to Austria, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg costs a flat rate of 6,90€.
Shipping to France, Great Britain, Denmark, Liechtenstein and Switzerland costs a flat rate of 14,95€.
Shipping costs for orders to Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Sweden, Norway and Finland are a flat rate of 20,00€.
The delivery time for a COLUMBUS globe is influenced by various factors and therefore cannot be predicted exactly. Quite naturally, the delivery time is extended if the globe is not in stock and the individual components must first be produced. However, the delivery time is postponed the longest if a crystal glass sphere still has to be produced, since only a few glass artists worldwide still face this challenge. This can then extend from a few days to even a few weeks.
However, we generally try to ensure that you receive your globe within a few days up to two weeks.
However, we generally try to ensure that you receive your globe within a few days up to two weeks.
All globes from COLUMBUS are equipped with an LED illuminant and can therefore be illuminated. In most cases, a simple flip switch can be used to turn on the light in the globe. The only exception are the mini globes with a diameter of ø 12 cm.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to change the illuminant in your COLUMBUS globe.
Step 1: Turn off and unplug the globe from the power outlet.
Step 1: Turn off and unplug the globe from the power outlet.
Step 2: Remove the globe sphere. To do this, lift the meridian at the north pole, push it slightly to the side and carefully (to avoid scratches) place it back on the globe. The measuring ring can then be removed and set aside.
Step 3: Slightly lift the meridian again and now carefully move the globe upwards and sideways with your free hand until the globe can be completely removed from the frame. Note: Due to the holder of the illuminant in the globe, the globe cannot simply be moved sideways.
Step 4: Now the LED illuminant is exposed and can be unscrewed by hand.
Step 5: To move the globe back to its original position, move the globe sideways over the illuminant as you did when removing it. Keep the meridian away from the surface of the globe so that no scratches occur.
Step 6: As soon as the sphere is firmly anchored again at the south pole, the measuring ring can be reinserted at the north pole and only then can the meridian be placed on the measuring ring again. Small tip: The hole in the meridian can be found more easily by looking at it from the side.
Step 3: Slightly lift the meridian again and now carefully move the globe upwards and sideways with your free hand until the globe can be completely removed from the frame. Note: Due to the holder of the illuminant in the globe, the globe cannot simply be moved sideways.
Step 4: Now the LED illuminant is exposed and can be unscrewed by hand.
Step 5: To move the globe back to its original position, move the globe sideways over the illuminant as you did when removing it. Keep the meridian away from the surface of the globe so that no scratches occur.
Step 6: As soon as the sphere is firmly anchored again at the south pole, the measuring ring can be reinserted at the north pole and only then can the meridian be placed on the measuring ring again. Small tip: The hole in the meridian can be found more easily by looking at it from the side.
Traditional light bulbs are no longer used in our COLUMBUS globe models, as they consume too much energy and harm the environment. We, at COLUMBUS, therefore use modern LED bulbs, which are much more sustainable, so you can enjoy your illuminated COLUMBUS globe day after day.
As soon as the pen is switched on, a category can be selected with the pen tip on the category card. To do this, hold the tip of the pen over the desired category. A voice then confirms the selection of the category. In the next step, the pen, when approaching the globe surface, plays the specific information. This works because there are tiny codes printed in the map and on the category card which the pen can read. But don't worry! This does not reduce the quality of the print, because the codes are barely visible to the naked eye, even up close.
The COLUMBUS Explorer Pen can also be equipped with audio/video files in multiple languages. This means that the categories can be played in different languages. When switching between the languages, however, the Explorer Pen must always be reactivated.
The languages German, English and French are available at the moment. If you are interested, please send a request to our customer service before ordering, so that the pen can be customized according to your wishes.
Note: The selection/switching of languages takes place via the category cards supplied (On the back on the right is the "Activation code AUDIO/ VIDEO PEN" field). Therefore, for example, only German-language audio/video files can be accessed with a German-language category card.
The languages German, English and French are available at the moment. If you are interested, please send a request to our customer service before ordering, so that the pen can be customized according to your wishes.
Note: The selection/switching of languages takes place via the category cards supplied (On the back on the right is the "Activation code AUDIO/ VIDEO PEN" field). Therefore, for example, only German-language audio/video files can be accessed with a German-language category card.
The COLUMBUS Explorer Pen costs 59,90 € incl. VAT, but plus shipping costs of 6,90 €.
In return, however, you get the COLUMBUS Explorer Pen, the further development of the previous Ting Pen, which is capable of playing videos in addition to audio files. A total of three different categories (country information facts, national anthems and videos) can be accessed
In return, however, you get the COLUMBUS Explorer Pen, the further development of the previous Ting Pen, which is capable of playing videos in addition to audio files. A total of three different categories (country information facts, national anthems and videos) can be accessed
Yes, you can order the COLUMBUS Explorer Pen at a later date.
You can find it in our online store under the name "COLUMBUS Explorer Pen". There is also more helpful information about what the pen can do.
However, please also note that not every COLUMBUS globe can be used with the Explorer Pen!
You can find it in our online store under the name "COLUMBUS Explorer Pen". There is also more helpful information about what the pen can do.
However, please also note that not every COLUMBUS globe can be used with the Explorer Pen!
Two requirements must be met for a globe to talk. The OID codes must be hidden in the map image and the new version of the COLUMBUS Explorer Pen must have been purchased.
The maps of COLUMBUS globes are produced with OID codes since 2011. If you are not sure, then examine the map image of your globe for barely visible dots (preferably with a magnifying glass) that cover the complete map. If these are present, then your globe should be compatible with the Explorer Pen.
Maybe you already bought a Ting Pen to go with your globe back then? Unfortunately, these are no longer able to read the current categories as well as video files.
However, in our online store you can order the COLUMBUS Explorer Pen with matching category card. Together with the OID codes on your globe, the new categories can then also be accessed.
The maps of COLUMBUS globes are produced with OID codes since 2011. If you are not sure, then examine the map image of your globe for barely visible dots (preferably with a magnifying glass) that cover the complete map. If these are present, then your globe should be compatible with the Explorer Pen.
Maybe you already bought a Ting Pen to go with your globe back then? Unfortunately, these are no longer able to read the current categories as well as video files.
However, in our online store you can order the COLUMBUS Explorer Pen with matching category card. Together with the OID codes on your globe, the new categories can then also be accessed.
The activation of the COLUMBUS Explorer Pen only needs to be done once before the first use.
A small card with the audio and video categories is added to each COLUMBUS Explorer Pen. On the back of the card, on the right-hand side, there is, among other things, a white rectangular field labeled "Activation Code AUDIO / VIDEO PEN". When the pen is loaded for the first time and turned on, hold the tip of the pen on the "Activation Code" field. After that, the pen is ready for use.
The categories are selected by touching them with the pen tip as well. Once the desired category has been touched, the pen can be held to the globe and speak.
Note: The Explorer Pen of a COLUMBUS Kids Globe does not need to be activated.
A small card with the audio and video categories is added to each COLUMBUS Explorer Pen. On the back of the card, on the right-hand side, there is, among other things, a white rectangular field labeled "Activation Code AUDIO / VIDEO PEN". When the pen is loaded for the first time and turned on, hold the tip of the pen on the "Activation Code" field. After that, the pen is ready for use.
The categories are selected by touching them with the pen tip as well. Once the desired category has been touched, the pen can be held to the globe and speak.
Note: The Explorer Pen of a COLUMBUS Kids Globe does not need to be activated.
The Explorer Pen is currently available in German, English and French. Several languages can, of course, be loaded onto the pen at the same time upon request. To do so, please contact our service team.
The categories country information, interesting facts, national anthems, quiz and video can currently be accessed. Only the COLUMBUS Kids Globe can also play country-specific fairy tales through the additional category "Fairy Tale Treasure Chest".
The categories country information, interesting facts, national anthems, quiz and video can currently be accessed. Only the COLUMBUS Kids Globe can also play country-specific fairy tales through the additional category "Fairy Tale Treasure Chest".
The Explorer Pen can be purchased separately for almost all models at a price of 59.90€ through our online store, by phone (07576-96030) or via mail (info@columbus-verlag.de).
Only with our COLUMBUS Kids Globe the Explorer Pen is included in the price and will be delivered without an explicit order.
Only with our COLUMBUS Kids Globe the Explorer Pen is included in the price and will be delivered without an explicit order.
Our main focus in the search for materials is not only on quality and high value, but should of course also bring the desired robustness. Therefore, our acrylic as well as crystal glass spheres have a relatively large robustness.
Especially the mouth-blown crystal glass gets a high degree of stability due to its respectable thickness. Nevertheless, we do not provide any guarantee in the event of an unfortunate fall from a certain height.
In case of damage, please contact us. We will gladly send you a replacement globe for a fee, so you do not have to purchase a new model.
Especially the mouth-blown crystal glass gets a high degree of stability due to its respectable thickness. Nevertheless, we do not provide any guarantee in the event of an unfortunate fall from a certain height.
In case of damage, please contact us. We will gladly send you a replacement globe for a fee, so you do not have to purchase a new model.
A COLUMBUS globe has a two-week warranty. Within this period, damage to the globe will be compensated by us.
If the warranty period has expired, charges will apply for a desired exchange of individual parts. Please always contact our customer service personally.
If the warranty period has expired, charges will apply for a desired exchange of individual parts. Please always contact our customer service personally.
Unfortunately, it is currently not possible to request custom designs via our COLUMBUS online shop.
For this, please contact our customer service personally. Whether the realization of your wishes is possible will be discussed individually with you by our custom design department.
For this, please contact our customer service personally. Whether the realization of your wishes is possible will be discussed individually with you by our custom design department.
The COLUMBUS Verlag GmbH & Co. KG opens its doors in Krauchenwies, district of Sigmaringen, from Monday to Friday from 09:00 - 12:30 and after a short lunch break from 13:00 - 16:00.
Various globe models can be demonstrated and purchased in our showroom. In addition, you will receive excellent customer advice from our professional consulting staff.
Various globe models can be demonstrated and purchased in our showroom. In addition, you will receive excellent customer advice from our professional consulting staff.
In the first step, a COLUMBUS globe is finished down to the paint. Then small holes are drilled in the desired places and the decorative stones are inserted directly. Only after that the varnishing is done as a double protection.
This procedure does not change when places of high personal value are to be decorated on a globe. However, to realize this request you need to make a personal request to our customer service.
This procedure does not change when places of high personal value are to be decorated on a globe. However, to realize this request you need to make a personal request to our customer service.
COLUMBUS Verlag GmbH & Co. KG represents three extremely important values both for the family business and its employees:
1) Integrity, because business should be conducted fairly, honestly and transparently. Every act must withstand criticism from the public, so every employee and customer should be treated with understanding, respect, compassion and humanity.
2) Excellence, because in our day-to-day work we strive for the highest level of quality, innovation and perfection. We thereby set the highest possible standards.
3) Unity, because COLUMUBS would never be as successful without its employees and customers. The strong relationships foster exchange, facilitate communication and create a working environment that benefits all parties equally.
These values are the reason why COLUMBUS globes have been absolute premium products for over a century.
1) Integrity, because business should be conducted fairly, honestly and transparently. Every act must withstand criticism from the public, so every employee and customer should be treated with understanding, respect, compassion and humanity.
2) Excellence, because in our day-to-day work we strive for the highest level of quality, innovation and perfection. We thereby set the highest possible standards.
3) Unity, because COLUMUBS would never be as successful without its employees and customers. The strong relationships foster exchange, facilitate communication and create a working environment that benefits all parties equally.
These values are the reason why COLUMBUS globes have been absolute premium products for over a century.
Today's COLUMBUS Publishing House was founded in 1909 by Paul Oestergaard under the name "Paul Oestergaard Verlag" in Berlin. His basic idea was that every family should have a COLUMBUS globe in their home. Thus the first motto was born " A COLUMBUS globe for every home". The best cartography with a stylish design could be offered at particularly favorable prices thanks to the high production numbers.
Constant innovations and growing exports worldwide make the company the market leader. The Second World War, as well as the drastic event of the reunification of Germany almost bring ruin. After relocations, first to Stuttgart, then to Beutelsbach and finally to Krauchenwies, and new innovations, the original position of market leader is regained step by step. Cohesion is rewarded, COLUMBUS Verlag GmbH & Co. KG is stronger than ever.
In the meantime, the fifth generation is working in the family business, which is significantly involved in the development of the latest innovation and the integration of digitalization into the traditional company. For with the COLUMBUS Explorer Pen, six different categories with additional information can be called up worldwide via so-called OID codes on the map.
Constant innovations and growing exports worldwide make the company the market leader. The Second World War, as well as the drastic event of the reunification of Germany almost bring ruin. After relocations, first to Stuttgart, then to Beutelsbach and finally to Krauchenwies, and new innovations, the original position of market leader is regained step by step. Cohesion is rewarded, COLUMBUS Verlag GmbH & Co. KG is stronger than ever.
In the meantime, the fifth generation is working in the family business, which is significantly involved in the development of the latest innovation and the integration of digitalization into the traditional company. For with the COLUMBUS Explorer Pen, six different categories with additional information can be called up worldwide via so-called OID codes on the map.
Every day, COLUMBUS Verlag GmbH & Co. KG receives initiative applications for all kinds of jobs, without us explicitly advertising a vacancy. With our job offers, we therefore usually only turn to the job center, which sends us promising applications.
Of course, not only progress but also tradition plays a major role in the daily work of the world's oldest globe manufacturer.
Especially the manufacturing technique is based on tradition. Before the possibility of producing machine-made illuminated globes, all globes were hand-coated. This traditional craft is also used for the particularly high-quality COLUMBUS globes. Moreover, from a certain size on, our globes are only hand-coated by professionals. In addition, the wood for the DUO ALBA Harmonie foot is treated in the traditional way of charcoal burning, giving it its characteristic white-silver appearance. Furthermore, only minor changes are made to the design of the globe models, so that even today the original design can be recognized when compared with the first models.
Starting with an obligatory morning tour and ending with the traditional Christmas celebration - at the COLUMBUS family business, traditions are simply part of the game.
Especially the manufacturing technique is based on tradition. Before the possibility of producing machine-made illuminated globes, all globes were hand-coated. This traditional craft is also used for the particularly high-quality COLUMBUS globes. Moreover, from a certain size on, our globes are only hand-coated by professionals. In addition, the wood for the DUO ALBA Harmonie foot is treated in the traditional way of charcoal burning, giving it its characteristic white-silver appearance. Furthermore, only minor changes are made to the design of the globe models, so that even today the original design can be recognized when compared with the first models.
Starting with an obligatory morning tour and ending with the traditional Christmas celebration - at the COLUMBUS family business, traditions are simply part of the game.
COLUMBUS globes require no special maintenance. For cleaning, simply use a dust cloth and, if necessary, a little lukewarm water, without adding any harsh cleaning agents. The wooden, metal, and plastic components will generally retain their shine for many years. Occasionally polish these parts with a soft cloth.
Never expose the globe to direct radiant heat, such as from radiators or direct sunlight.
Spare parts, including replacement globes, are available from COLUMBUS Publishing through your specialist retailer.