Discover Eystrup: Mill Festival, Motorcycles and Mustard History

Eystrup brings together a variety of themes: a recurring mill festival, motorcycles from several decades, a self-guided local tour and the history of Eystrup mustard. You can tailor your stay to your particular interests, whether you are drawn to mill traditions, technology or local history.

Mill Festival at the Margarethe Windmill

The annual Mill Festival takes place at the “Margarethe” windmill on Whit Monday. The programme includes a Low German church service and an explanation of how the historic mill works by the miller. Coffee and cake, grilled food and homemade strawberry punch round out the festival; the specific food and drink offerings may vary.

Whit Monday is the date associated with this recurring event. If you are planning your trip around it, check the exact date for the relevant year. The Mill Festival combines an insight into the mill’s work with a festival programme and food and drink.

Motorcycle History, a Local Tour and Mustard

The Eystrup DKW Motorcycle Museum features around 60 DKW motorcycles and sidecar outfits from the pre-war and post-war periods, spanning 1920 to 1977. The collection thus covers a broad period in motorcycle history. The “Im 2-Takt” is located on the grounds of the Leman mustard factory in Eystrup.

The Eystrup Historical Trail follows a tourist signposting system and lets you explore the town on your own, preferably by bicycle. This is a way to discover the town independently rather than limiting your visit to a single attraction.

The history of mustard also has a specific connection to Eystrup: Johann Ludwig Lehmann began producing Eystrup mustard here in 1809. The historic site of the former Eystrup Brinksitzer property No. 67 is now at Hauptstraße 56.

When looking for accommodation in Eystrup, it may help to start by deciding what brings you here: will the Mill Festival set the timing of your trip, is the motorcycle collection your main interest, or would you like to explore the Historical Trail on your own? This lets you focus your search on the things that interest you most in the town.

More to Explore in the Wider Nienburg Destination

The wider Nienburg destination offers other distinct reasons to enjoy days of culture and discovery. The Nienburg Museum traces the development of the Middle Weser region, from the presence of the first humans to the present day, across three historic buildings. Its main building is the Fresenhof, a manor house dating from the 16th century. The museum also includes the Asparagus Museum, the Biedermeier Garden and a lapidarium; the Neoclassical villa offers a closer look at the 19th century.

Architecture and art history offer a range of other highlights: the collegiate church of St. Maternian et St. Nicolai in Bücken houses important works of art, including a triumphal cross dating from 1230 and richly illustrated stained-glass windows from the 13th century. Schinna Monastery, in the village of Schinna in the municipality of Stolzenau, is a monument of significance beyond the region; Loccum Abbey is a religious house built in 1163.

Nine traditional barns have been preserved in the historic Im Schünebusch barn quarter in Estorf. They house a local history museum with exhibits on agricultural equipment, rural domestic life, a bakery and village history. Groups can book a rustic overnight stay in the Radler-Scheune in advance.

There are other well-defined options for active outings: a 23.6-kilometre circular route on the Weser Cycle Route runs between Landesbergen and Stolzenau; check the route conditions before setting off. The Flotte Mittelweser offers round trips, experience cruises and charter trips on the Weser and Aller, departing from Nienburg or Verden. Check the operator’s timetable before planning your trip. Münchehagen Dinosaur Park features more than 300 dinosaur footprints, evidence of a time around 140 million years ago. Young children can take part in activities, including excavating a 25-metre-long skeleton.

Discover more destinations: Hoya, Bücken, Warpe, Hämelhausen, Gandesbergen, Hassel, Hilgermissen, Schweringen.

Back to the wider travel overview: Grafschaft Hoya.