Mausefallen- und Kuriositätenmuseum

About the museum

The Mausefallen- und Kuriositätenmuseum (Mousetrap and Curiosities Museum) in Güntersberge, a district of Harzgerode, was opened in 1997 by Karl-Heinz Knepper and celebrated its 20th anniversary at Easter 2017. After his death in 2014, Gabriele Knepper continues to run the private house on Klausstraße, which runs as Bundesstraße 242 straight across the Harz.

The museum is named for a collection of historic mousetraps in many designs, from simple snap traps to curious constructions. It also shows old household and kitchen appliances, which are demonstrated with humor during the tours, including mechanical vacuum cleaners and washing machines.

A separate section is devoted to the smallest room: a gallery with more than a hundred photos, paintings, and drawings about the toilet, as well as a collection of old toilet chairs, the oldest of which is said to be about 500 years old. This is complemented by chamber pots, historic underwear, enema syringes, a chastity belt, and other curiosities. The museum has repeatedly been featured in television reports and is popular with tour groups; a museum café is part of the house.

Highlights

• Collection of historic mousetraps
• Gallery of the smallest rooms with more than 100 pictures
• Old toilet chairs, the oldest about 500 years old
• Demonstration of old kitchen and household appliances
• Museum café for groups of up to 80 people

Permanent exhibitions

• Mausefallen und Haushaltsgeräte – Mousetraps of widely varying designs and old kitchen appliances, which are demonstrated during the tour.
• Galerie der stillen Örtchen – Pictures, toilet chairs, chamber pots, and other curiosities around the most human of all subjects.

Founded

1997

Operated by

Privat (Inhaberin Gabriele Knepper)

Admission & discounts

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

Accessibility

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

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kids

Recommended from school age; some exhibits (e.g., traps, toilet gallery) are less suitable for very young or sensitive children.

Getting there & parking

Directly on Bundesstraße 242 (Klausstraße) in the Güntersberge district; about 13 km from Harzgerode and Hasselfelde, 24 km from Quedlinburg.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Museum café with up to 80 seats, especially for tour groups.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Up to 80 guests.

The museum café is suitable for family celebrations, class reunions, and club outings.

Plan your visit