Freilichtmuseum auf der Insel
One of Germany's oldest open-air museums, on an island at the edge of Stade's old town, with an Altes Land farmhouse from 1733 and a post mill.
About the museum
The island was once a bleaching meadow for the townspeople of Stade and was incorporated into the Swedish fortifications as a ravelin at the end of the 17th century. When the fortress lost its significance, the site was rediscovered as a destination for outings: a military bathing establishment was built in 1825, the first inn in 1846, and in 1881 bridges replaced the ferry boat that had served until then.
The idea of an open-air museum arose during the construction of Stade's local history museum in 1903/04 and was pursued from 1908/09 by mayor Ado Jürgens, who was also chairman of the history and local heritage association – a product of the Heimat (homeland) movement of the time. The architect Emil Högg and the garden designer Christian Roselius were involved in the planning. In 1912 a Geest farmhouse from the area around Scheeßel was erected as an inn; in 1913 the association acquired an Altes Land farmhouse from Huttfleth dating from 1733, which was moved to the island in 1914 together with its furnishings and opened with a celebration.
Later additions included a post mill, a horse-powered gin, a magnificent Altes Land farm gate from 1791, a bakehouse, a carriage shed and farm implements. After a fire in 1992, the restaurant building was rebuilt in 1993/94 as a replica of a 1641 Geest farmhouse from Himmelpforten. Today the museum is part of the Museen Stade; the grounds are freely accessible all year, and the Altländer Haus (Altes Land house) is open during the summer season.
Highlights
- Altes Land farmhouse from 1733 with its original furnishings
- Ornate Altes Land gateway from 1791
- Post mill and horse-powered gin
- Freely accessible museum grounds on the castle moat
- Island markets in spring and fall
- Founded
- 1914
- Operated by
- Museen Stade
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1.50Social rate |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Children and young people up to 18 free. |
| Seniors | –No senior discount listed. |
| Museen Stade ticket (Schwedenspeicher, Kunsthaus, Altländer Haus) | €9Social rate €4.50 |
| Museen Stade 3-day ticket | €12Social rate €6 |
| Public tour of the Altländer Haus | €4plus admission |
Free admission: During the island markets, the Altländer Haus is free.
The grounds are free; admission is charged only for the Altländer Haus (May–September).
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- 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
Paths on the grounds are easily wheelchair-accessible; the Altländer Haus is not accessible due to door thresholds and clay/stone floors. Accessible restroom in the restaurant's outbuilding (free of charge). FM system for hard-of-hearing visitors on guided tours on request.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
Children's birthday parties from May to September, for example a detective game in the Altländer Haus (ages 10–12) or making flower decorations (ages 5–7).
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bahnhof Stade
Stade train station (regional trains Hamburg–Cuxhaven, S-Bahn line S5 from Hamburg) a few minutes' walk away.
By car
Parking available · 5-min walk to the entrance
No parking on the grounds; public parking lots at Pferdemarkt, at the train station, and at the Stadeum (each approx. 5 minutes on foot). Accessible parking spaces in the parking garage at Kaufland.
The museum recommends arriving by bicycle, on foot, or by public transport.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant
Restaurant "Insel" in the Geestbauernhaus (open daily year-round).
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Weddings / ceremonies
The Altländer Haus can be booked for civil wedding ceremonies (through the city of Stade, tel. 04141 401-0).
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | May to September, public tour of the Altländer Haus on the second and last Sunday of the month at 11:00 (60 min.); private tours can be booked (also in English and Spanish). On the last Sunday of the month, weaving and spinning demonstrations in the Altländer Haus. Island markets twice a year (2026: May 31 and September 27). |
