Freilichtmuseum Sachsenhof

About the museum

From 1973, the Westphalian Museum of Archaeology investigated a site with traces from the Paleolithic to the early Middle Ages in the sand-extraction area of Münster-Gittrup. To make the results tangible even during the excavation, work began in 1983 near the dig site on reconstructing a Saxon farmstead from the 6th to 8th century.

When the lease in Gittrup expired, the Heimatverein Greven (local heritage association) took over the main house in 1987, dismantled it and, together with the town of Greven, rebuilt it in Pentrup on the high bank of the Ems, where traces of Saxon farmers' settlements had also been discovered. Since 1988, the present farmstead complex has been built there based on the excavation findings. The town of Greven is the owner; the museum is run on a volunteer basis by the Heimatverein.

At the center is a roughly 18-meter-long, thatched longhouse (combined dwelling and stable) of post construction with longitudinal walls curved like a ship. In addition there are a sunken-floor hut, barn, granary and hay rick as well as pottery and bloomery kilns for experimental archaeology; early medieval crop and dye plants grow in gardens and fields. The main house burned down in 1991 after arson and was rebuilt within half a year; in 2016 the barn burned. Since September 2021, the Sachsenhof-Zentrum has complemented the site as an information and education building.

Highlights

• Reconstructed Saxon longhouse about 18 meters long
• Sunken-floor hut, granary, barn and hay rick based on archaeological findings
• Cultivation of early medieval crop, medicinal and dye plants such as woad
• Pottery and bloomery kilns for experimental archaeology
• Hands-on action days and free QR code tour

Permanent exhibitions

• Frühmittelalterliche sächsische Hofanlage – Walk-through reconstruction of a farmstead from the 6th to 8th century with longhouse, outbuildings, craft kilns, and fields and gardens with historic plants.

Operated by

Heimatverein Greven e. V. (Eigentümerin: Stadt Greven)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Visiting the grounds is free; guided tours and educational programs are paid.

Accessibility

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

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Expressly recommended for families. On action days and baking days, visitors can try out early medieval crafts such as pottery, grinding, spinning or weaving for themselves.

Getting there & parking

Located directly on the EmsRadweg, Friedensroute and NaTourismusroute cycling routes.

Amenities & dining

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

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties: not available
• Weddings / ceremonies: not available

The Sachsenhof-Zentrum is available for educational events, training and meetings; family celebrations and private parties are expressly excluded.

Plan your visit