Gifhorn: Mill Museum, Castle and Heath

Gifhorn combines sites of cultural and historical interest with centrally located Castle Lake and the landscape of Gifhorn Heath. If you’re looking for a hotel in Gifhorn, you can plan your trip around whether you’re particularly interested in the city’s history, relaxing by the water or nature.

Mills, the Castle and the City’s History

The International Mill Museum in Gifhorn showcases historic mills from various countries and brings traditional craftsmanship to life. Its international collection brings together different types of mills with the museum’s focus on craftsmanship.

Built in the 16th century, Welf Castle lies on the northern edge of the district town of Gifhorn, between Castle Lake and the Ise River; it is surrounded by wide moats. St. Nicolai Church on Gifhorn’s market square represents a different era: the Protestant Baroque church was built between 1733 and 1744.

The Old Gifhorn Town Hall also tells the story of the city. Built in 1562, it served as the town hall until 1843/44. Its carved infill panels depict the trades of Gifhorn’s guilds, animal figures, foliage, geometric ornamental patterns, Gothic texts and the year 1562. The Kavalierhaus in Gifhorn’s old town dates back to 1546: master builder Michael Clare built it for the castle captain Caspar von Leipzig. The house is home to EMMA – Museum Apartment in the Kavalierhaus Gifhorn, which recreates the fully furnished apartment of its last resident, Emma Wrede, and offers a glimpse of middle-class domestic life in the first half of the 20th century.

Castle Lake and the Weekly Market

Gifhorn’s Castle Lake is centrally located in the city center, between the castle and the Mill Museum. The lake offers places to picnic and relax, a large themed playground and a fitness trail. This area complements the historic attractions with opportunities to take a break or get some exercise outdoors.

The Gifhorn weekly market is a dedicated destination for regional and seasonal produce. It takes place every Wednesday and Saturday, though there may be exceptions on public holidays. If you’re planning your stay around a visit to the market, keep this possible change in mind.

Gifhorn Heath and Routes

Covering around 32 hectares, Gifhorn Heath lies to the west in the district of Winkel, within the Upper Aller Lowland natural area. It includes a section of the ancient Aller river valley and is considered an important refuge for fauna and flora. The heath is part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas. It can be reached via Kellerberg road, which joins Winkeler Weg; parking is available right at the entrance. Check directions and parking arrangements before your trip.

A two-hour guided walk, “Hermann Löns and the Heath,” is offered in the heath. Topics include the heath’s origins, use and maintenance. When planning, you can choose between this themed experience and the attractions focused on the city’s history.

Numerous cycling paths and tours also run through Gifhorn and the surrounding region: through the city and heath, to the lakes, through the forests and to places of interest. The destinations and landscapes give the routes different points of focus.

Discover more destinations: Steinhorst, Schönewörde, Brome, Abbesbüttel, Tiddische, Hankensbüttel, Emmen, Tülau

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