Museum in der Wasserburg Egeln

About the museum

According to the town, the museum was founded in 1933 and has been located since 1993 in the gatehouse and keep of Egeln Water Castle, a complex dating from the 12th century. In 1418 the castle passed to the Magdeburg cathedral chapter, which converted it into a palace and used it as a summer residence; during the Thirty Years’ War, the Swedish field marshal Johann Banér lived here for a time. After 1945 the castle fell into disrepair until 1987, when the “Aktion Wasserburg” initiative set the preservation of the complex in motion. In 1995 the complex passed to the town of Egeln.

The largest department scientifically documents the settlement history of the Egeln Mulde and is the only specialist museum of its kind on the northern edge of the Harz foothills. After the attic above the former court room was expanded in 2001, the more recent history of the town was added. A local history room run by the Heimatverein (local heritage association) shows everyday life around 1930 as experienced by the grandparents’ generation; in the Kemenate (heated residential hall), the medieval history of the castle is told, and an exhibition space offers room for regional artists.

At the end of the tour, visitors can climb the 36-meter-high keep. The upper castle also has an open-air stage, a creative center and a cellar theater, where events take place year-round.

Highlights

• Prehistory and early history of the Egeln Mulde
• Climb the 36-meter-high keep
• Local history room with everyday life around 1930
• Medieval castle history in the Kemenate
• Historic café in the castle

Permanent exhibitions

• Besiedlungsgeschichte der Egelner Mulde – Finds and explanations on the prehistory and early history of the area between the Harz foothills and the Börde.
• Stadt- und Burggeschichte – The more recent history of Egeln and the medieval castle, told in the Kemenate.
• Heimatstube um 1930 – The Egeln Heimatverein shows the way of life of the grandparents’ generation around 1930.

Founded

1933

Operated by

Stadt Egeln

Director

Uwe Lachmuth

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Egeln lies at the junction of the B 81 and B 180; the castle is directly behind the town center and signposted. The castle grounds are also accessible outside opening hours.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Historic café in the castle with three dining rooms and 54 seats. The Palas (main residential building) of the castle has four guest rooms.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Civil marriage ceremonies in the museum’s foyer; celebrations in the Romanesque vaulted hall of the castle.

Plan your visit