Gifhorn Between Mills, a Castle and Heathland

Gifhorn brings together mills, historic buildings and a central lake with the landscape of the Gifhorn Heath. The International Mill Museum brings traditional craftsmanship to life through historic mills from various countries. The city also has striking reminders of its history and opportunities to include culture and nature in your travel plans.

Mill Museum and Historic Buildings

The International Mill Museum Gifhorn puts mills and traditional crafts at the center of its exhibits. A look at historic mills from various countries offers insight into different building and craft traditions. Those interested in architecture will find other vivid examples in the city: the Welf Castle was built in the 16th century. It stands on the northern edge of Gifhorn, the district capital, between the castle lake and the Ise River, surrounded by wide moats.

The Old Gifhorn Town Hall also tells the story of the city’s long history. It was built in 1562 and served as the town hall until 1843/44. Its carved infill panels depict the trades practiced by Gifhorn’s guilds, as well as animal images, foliage, geometric ornament, Gothic inscriptions and the year 1562. St. Nicolai Church on Gifhorn’s market square adds a different architectural note: the Protestant Baroque church was built between 1733 and 1744.

Another historic building is the Kavalierhaus in Gifhorn’s old town. Master builder Michael Clare constructed it in 1546 for the castle captain Caspar von Leipzig. Today, EMMA – Museum Apartment in the Kavalierhaus Gifhorn presents the fully furnished apartment of the house’s last resident, Emma Wrede. The exhibition offers a glimpse of middle-class domestic life in the first half of the 20th century. This way, you can discover the city’s history not only through construction dates and façades, but also through how people lived at the time.

Castle Lake and City Breaks

Gifhorn Castle Lake is centrally located in the city, between the castle and the Mill Museum. It offers places to picnic and relax, a large themed playground and a fitness trail. Each has a different focus: time by the water, a playful break or exercise along the trail. You can therefore plan a visit to the castle lake as a separate opportunity for relaxation and activity alongside the historic sights.

Gifhorn Heath: Nature and a Guided Hike

The approximately 32-hectare Gifhorn Heath nature reserve is located west of the city, in the Gifhorn district of Winkel. It lies in the Upper Aller Lowlands natural region and includes part of the ancient Aller glacial valley. The heath is an important refuge for flora and fauna and forms part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas. This protected landscape has a character distinct from the city’s buildings and castle lake.

A two-hour guided hike, “Hermann Löns and the Heath,” is offered in the Gifhorn Heath. Topics include the heath’s origins, use and management. The set duration helps with planning your schedule; if you would like to join the hike, check the booking details in advance. The heath can be reached via Kellerberg Road, which leads onto Winkeler Weg; parking is available right at the entrance. Check the route and parking arrangements before setting out.

Weekly Market and Cycling

The Gifhorn weekly market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday, with changing regional and seasonal offerings. Exceptions may apply on public holidays. The market provides a regular event to factor into your travel plans; if a visit is important to your stay, check the date in advance.

Cycling paths and routes lead through Gifhorn and the surrounding region: through the city, heathland and forests, and to lakes and sights. At district level, the cycling network in Gifhorn district comprises around 700 kilometers of recreational cycling routes, plus a further 550 kilometers of everyday cycling routes with connecting paths. The district’s landscape also includes heathland, forests, moors, rivers and lakes; the Drömling UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is also located here. You can choose between city experiences in Gifhorn and a broader regional perspective on nature and cycling.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Hillerse, Calberlah, Didderse, Bokensdorf, Brechtorf, Leiferde, Ummern and Vollbüttel.

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