Peter-Zirbes-Haus
Home of the Eifel poet Peter Zirbes in Niederkail, with its original kitchen, living room and bedroom; visits by appointment, admission free.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Nikolaus Zirbes had the small house in Niederkail built for his family in 1826. His son Peter Zirbes (1825–1901) first traveled through the Eifel with his father as an itinerant stoneware (Steingut) peddler, and in winter, when the family was at home, recorded his impressions in poems. He is considered the first Eifel poet and left more than 500 poems, which often draw on legends and events from his homeland.
A fire destroyed the thatched roof and roof frame in 1901; during reconstruction, the outer walls were raised slightly and the roof was covered with tiles. In 1973, the then municipality of Niederkail acquired the house together with the poet's estate from his heirs. Between 1980 and 1982, it was restored in period style with the help of historic preservation authorities and other supporters, and its height and roof covering were brought closer to the original state.
Since 1981, the Peter-Zirbes-Kulturkreis (cultural circle) has looked after the house together with the local municipality of Landscheid. Visitors enter the museum through the kitchen with its open fireplace and continue to the living room, bedroom and hallway. On display are oil paintings and drawings by the poet, first editions, newspaper articles, letters of thanks and books from his estate. With modest means, panels, a travel passport and the banner of the trading association also illustrate the local history of itinerant peddling (Hausierhandel).
Highlights
- Original kitchen with open fireplace, living room and bedroom
- Oil paintings and drawings by Peter Zirbes
- First editions and books from the poet's estate
- Local history of peddling with a travel passport and association banner
- Guided tours by appointment
Permanent exhibitions
- Leben und Werk des Eifeldichters Peter Zirbes – The original furnished house displays the poet's paintings, manuscripts, first editions and books from his estate.
- Hausierhandel in Niederkail – Photo panels, a travel passport and the banner of the trading association document the itinerant trade in stoneware.
- Operated by
- Ortsgemeinde Landscheid (mit Peter-Zirbes-Kulturkreis)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- 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
The museum is not accessible.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Niederkail, Brücke · 100 m
Bus stop Niederkail, Brücke (bridge), about 100 m away.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours and visits by appointment; offerings for kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools. |
