Windmill Museum Gifhorn
Niedersachsen
The International Wind- and Watermill Museum in Gifhorn, Lower Saxony, Germany, is a unique open-air museum covering about 15 hectares that exhibits 13 original or faithfully reconstructed windmills and watermills from different countries. These mills are set in environments typical of their origins, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience. The museum also houses a large indoor exhibition hall featuring 49 detailed miniature models of wind and watermills from 20 countries, illustrating the historical use of wind and water power before the steam engine. The site includes a historic village square with traditional half-timbered houses, including a bakery house, a miller's house, and a costume house, providing insight into rural life and milling traditions. The museum was founded by Horst Wrobel, who began collecting mill models in the 1960s and opened the museum in 1980. It became city property in 2022 and underwent renovations before reopening in 2023. The museum is part of the Lower Saxon Mill Road, a tourist route linking historic mills across the region. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal events, crafts, and traditional baking demonstrations. The museum offers both educational and recreational experiences, making it a significant cultural and historical attraction in northern Germany.
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Consejo: Visit during spring to autumn for full outdoor access and participate in special events like the Easter family festival featuring mill tours, traditional crafts, and games. The village square is freely accessible year-round. It is advisable to check opening hours in advance, especially for the indoor exhibitions and the wooden church. Tickets can be purchased on-site; look out for family and group discounts. The museum is easily accessible by car near major highways, with parking available. Guided tours enhance the experience and are recommended for deeper insight.
Datos interesantes
- •The museum spans approximately 15 hectares, making it one of the largest open-air mill museums in Europe.
- •It features 13 original or accurately reconstructed full-size wind and watermills from various countries.
- •The indoor exhibition hall contains 49 miniature mill models from 20 countries, meticulously crafted to scale.
- •The museum includes a 30-meter high 'International Mill Tree' displaying the coats of arms of all mills on the site.
- •The village square within the museum is designed as a traditional round village with three timber-framed houses, including a bakery that bakes bread using historical recipes.
- •The museum is Station 65 on the Lower Saxon Mill Road, a 2,800 km route linking 301 historic mills across northern Germany.
Historia
The museum was founded by Horst Wrobel, who started collecting mill models in 1965 and opened a private museum in 1974.
Supported by the Gifhorn district, the open-air museum was developed from 1977 and opened in 1980 with three mills and an exhibition hall.
Over time, the museum expanded to include 13 full-size mills and a large collection of miniature models.
In 2021, the city of Gifhorn purchased the museum, which was then renovated and reopened in 2023 under new management.
The museum is integrated into the Lower Saxon Mill Road, a project initiated in the 1990s to preserve and promote historic mills across Lower Saxony.
Guía del lugar
Exhibition Hall1980
An 800 square meter building housing historical milling tools and 49 miniature wind and watermill models from 20 countries, illustrating traditional milling techniques and the use of wind and water power before industrialization.
Village Square (Dorfplatz)1983-1990
A central open-air area designed as a traditional round village with three half-timbered houses: the Miller's House (a large hall house for guests), the Bakery House baking bread and cakes in wood-fired ovens, and the Costume House with historical baking facilities and a restaurant.
Full-Size Windmills and Watermills
Thirteen original or faithfully reconstructed mills from Germany and other countries are displayed on the grounds, each embedded in a setting typical of its origin, showcasing diverse milling technologies and cultural heritage.
International Mill Tree
A 30-meter high pole adorned with the coats of arms of all mills in the museum and wooden carvings depicting milling motifs, symbolizing the international scope of the museum's collection.
Contacto
Teléfono: 05371 55466