Flohburg – Das Nordhausen Museum

About the museum

The Flohburg on Barfüßerstraße is one of the oldest townhouses in Nordhausen. Tree-ring analysis dates the half-timbered house to 1473/74, and the deep cellar beneath it is considerably older. The origin of the name (literally “flea castle”) is unclear – theories point to the many small, crowded apartments or the poor sanitary conditions of the past.

Over the centuries the house was used by craftsmen and innkeepers. From 1963 it housed the children's and youth library, and from 2002 it showed exhibitions on cultural history.

From 2011 the city of Nordhausen converted the Flohburg into a city history museum for about 5.2 million euros; an extension enlarged the exhibition space to about 1,000 square meters. The “Nordhausen Museum” opened on June 30, 2012.

On three floors, the permanent exhibition tells the city's story from its beginnings to the present in thematic sections, also covering geology, archaeology and natural history. On display are minerals, archaeological finds, charters, coins and everyday objects from many centuries, as well as a historic plank-paneled room (Bohlenstube) and the preserved deep cellar. Media and listening stations, a room for special exhibitions and events, a museum garden, a shop and a bistro round out the museum.

Highlights

• Half-timbered house from 1473/74, one of the oldest in the city
• City history from its beginnings to the present on three floors
• Historic plank-paneled room (Bohlenstube) and preserved deep cellar
• Minerals, archaeological finds, charters and coins
• Media and listening stations, hands-on stations for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung zur Nordhäuser Stadtgeschichte – City history from its beginnings to the present on three floors, complemented by geology, archaeology and natural history, with media and listening stations, a plank-paneled room and a deep cellar.

Founded

2012

Operated by

Stadt Nordhausen

Admission & discounts

Friday is museum day with discounted admission (price list: €2; according to the 2023 fee schedule, the reduced price). The fee schedule also lists a “Touri-Ticket” valid for three days at all three municipal museums (€7). Higher admission may apply for major special exhibitions; the Mehrkindfamilienkarte (large-family card) is accepted.

Accessibility

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

According to the Harz tourism association, easily accessible for wheelchair users and assessed under the “Reisen für Alle” (Travel for All) certification.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Free children's audio guide "Mit dem Roland auf Zeitreise durch die Stadtgeschichte" (Time Travel Through the City's History with Roland), adventure stations for children, tours for kindergarten groups, and creative workshops. Free admission for children up to 14.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Museum bistro, museum shop, and adjoining museum garden.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit