Deutsches Erdölmuseum Wietze

Current exhibitions

About the museum

As early as the 17th century, farmers in Wietze scooped oil-bearing sand from so-called tar pits (Teerkuhlen) and sold the oil they extracted as a lubricant and remedy. In 1858/59 the geologist Konrad Hunäus had one of the world's earliest oil wells drilled here; after a successful well by master driller Friedrich Hasenbein, an oil boom began in 1899 that turned the heathland village into an industrial site. From 1920, oil was even mined in a shaft.

When production was about to end in the early 1960s, Deutsche Erdöl AG decided to preserve the last historic installations and set up a small museum on the company grounds known as the Teufelsinsel (Devil's Island). On September 29, 1970, its successor company Texaco handed it over to the municipality of Wietze – this date is regarded as the museum's founding day. Volunteers expanded it over the following decades: from 1982 exhibits from other companies were added, in 1988 a 54-meter drilling rig from Wintershall AG was erected, in 1991 an association took over as operator, since 1993 there has been a full-time director, and in 2004 a field railway was inaugurated.

Today the park-like outdoor area covers almost two hectares, with pumping installations from before 1930, some preserved at their original location and listed as historic monuments since 2021, as well as pumpjacks, drilling equipment and special vehicles. The permanent exhibition, renewed in 2023 for around €1.1 million, spans the formation of oil, its production, transport and processing, environmental impacts, geopolitics and the village's history during the boom years around 1900.

Highlights

• 54-meter drilling rig from Wintershall AG
• Listed pumping installations at their original location
• Pumpjacks and seismic survey vehicles on the outdoor grounds
• Field railway with two track gauges and historic locomotives
• Permanent exhibition completely renewed in 2023
• Free museum app with GPS tours of the old oil field

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung zur Erdölgeschichte – Exhibition renewed in 2023, covering the formation, exploration and production of oil, its chemistry, transport and processing, environmental disasters, geopolitics, future technologies and the history of Wietze around 1900.
• Freigelände auf dem alten Ölfeld – Almost two hectares with pre-1930 pumping installations at their original location, the 54-meter drilling rig, pumpjacks, survey vehicles and the field railway; some objects can be set in motion by visitors.

Founded

1970

Operated by

Trägerverein im Auftrag der Gemeinde Wietze

Director

Stephan A. Lütgert

Admission & discounts

Dogs are welcome and admitted free. Free public guided tour on the second Sunday of every month at 10:30 (admission only, registration requested).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Two wide accessible parking spaces right in front of the entrance, with curb-free access into the building. The permanent exhibition is entirely on one level; folding stools available to borrow. The special exhibition area on the gallery level can be reached by stair lift. The paths on the outdoor grounds are covered with gravel chippings and somewhat difficult with walking aids; seating is available.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's tour with small experiments for elementary school children; for children's groups and birthday parties, a movement game on the open-air grounds and a painting activity (about ages 4–9). Holiday activities and family days with scavenger hunts and craft activities.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A 7, exit Schwarmstedt, then about ten minutes on the B 214 toward Celle. GPS: Schwarzer Weg 7-9, 29323 Wietze.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Wi-Fi

Bistro with coffee and cake; for groups, snacks and a "Bohrmeisterfrühstück" (drilling foreman's breakfast) also available with advance registration. Museum Wi-Fi (for example, for the museum app).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Rooms of various sizes for corporate events, conferences and training sessions, with technical equipment and catering from regional providers on request; in the warmer months the outdoor grounds can be included.

Plan your visit