Museumshof Winsen (Aller)

About the museum

The Winsen Museumshof goes back to the Winser Heimatverein (local history association), founded in 1979 by ten residents. From 1980, on a site in the village center previously used by the municipal works yard, the marksmen’s club, and a few businesses, association members rebuilt a two-post hall house from 1653 that had originally stood on the Kahlenweide and was then considered the oldest house in the village. The Museumshof opened in 1982.

Over the following decades, the association moved more buildings threatened with demolition from Winsen and neighboring villages to the site: raised granaries, a hay barn from 1840, a pigsty, a wagon shed, and a carriage house; the bakehouse was newly built on historic models. Almost all the work was done by volunteers.

In 1991 “Dat groode Hus” was added, a farmhouse built in 1795 in Buchholz near Schwarmstedt, which now serves as an event and exhibition venue. In 2005 the Kalandhof of 1781 was inaugurated; it once owed dues to the Kaland brotherhood of Celle and now houses the museum café.

The furnishings of the houses show how the rural population of the southern Lüneburg Heath lived and worked between about 1780 and 1880 – from the hearth and butter making to peat cutting, spinning, and weaving. The association has around 750 members and still runs the museum; it holds the museum quality seal of the Museumsverband Niedersachsen-Bremen (museum association of Lower Saxony and Bremen).

Highlights

• Low German hall house from 1653 with flett (hall), hearth, and Döns (parlor)
• “Dat groode Hus” from 1795, one of the largest two-post houses in the Aller lowlands
• Kalandhof from 1781 with museum café and an orchard of heirloom apple varieties
• Bakehouse, raised granary, hay barn, and carriage house
• Special event days such as baking day and vintage vehicle day
• Free audio guide for the tour

Permanent exhibitions

• Bäuerliches Leben in der Südheide – A tour of 14 historic half-timbered buildings whose furnishings illustrate the everyday life and work of the rural population between about 1780 and 1880 – from livestock farming and peat cutting to spinning and weaving.

Founded

1982

Operated by

Winser Heimatverein e.V.

Admission & discounts

Members of the Winser Heimatverein free. A special price applies on vintage vehicle day (2026: adults €3, children, young people, and vintage vehicle drivers free). Events in the Dat Groode Hus have separate admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

According to the Museumsverband Niedersachsen-Bremen, accessible building entrance and seating; more detailed information on the historic buildings is lacking. The interior of “Dat groode Hus” is only accessible during events and group tours.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Playground / play area

Playground on the grounds; the local heritage association offers children's programs and event days. Free admission for children up to age 12.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café Kalandstube in the Kalandhof (with terrace); museum shop. Dogs are allowed on the grounds.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Civil weddings in the 1795 farmhouse (large main room or small Döns parlor). Seminar room above the café (about 50 m², just over 20 people, projector, Wi-Fi) for €50 net per half day or €100 net per full day. The Dat Groode Hus hosts events with up to 200 people (usage rules available from the association).

Plan your visit