District museum in the commandant's house of Gifhorn's Welf castle, covering regional history from prehistory to industrialisation.
September 10, 2026 – April 4, 2027
The exhibition traces the history of money from barter, through ancient and medieval coins, to euros, Bitcoin and digital payment. On show are objects from the depot and loans, including early Lydian coins and hacksilver from Haithabu.
The Historical Museum is the headquarters of the museums of the Gifhorn district and is located in the so-called commandant's house of Gifhorn Castle. The Welf castle was built in the 16th century between the Schlosssee lake and the River Ise and is surrounded by broad moats; today it houses the district administration. Duke Franz had his main residence here for ten years and had the castle chapel consecrated in 1547, an early sacred building for Protestant services.
The permanent exhibition traces the development of the district from prehistory to industrialisation. It includes archaeological finds such as mammoth bones and an Iron Age dugout canoe, sections on the nobility and the history of the castle, as well as on urban development, domestic culture and the Gifhorn glassworks. A natural history section shows the wildlife of the moors, heathland and river lowlands.
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2Pupils, students (with ID), social pass holders and young people aged 12 to 18 |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 11 · 12 to 18 years |
| Families | €8 |
Members of the Museums- und Heimatverein Gifhorn e. V. have free admission.
According to the operator, the district's museums are not barrier-free; staff on site are happy to help with any questions.
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €8 |
Programme for children, school classes and youth groups.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
There is a restaurant in the castle; cafés and restaurants in the town centre are within walking distance.
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Themed tours and activities for groups, some with hands-on handling and trying out of the exhibits; offers for school classes and youth groups. |
