Worpswede: Art History in the Devil’s Moor

Worpswede is set in the landscape of the Devil’s Moor, shaped by wide horizons, distinctive light and its unspoilt character. At the same time, several museums tell the story of the area’s art history. When choosing your accommodation, you can consider whether museums, trails through the landscape or a mix of both will shape your stay.

Art history across several museums

Six museums in Worpswede present collections and special exhibitions on the area’s art history. Four venues—Barkenhoff, Große Kunstschau Worpswede, Haus im Schluh and Worpsweder Kunsthalle—present coordinated exhibitions showcasing the diversity of Worpswede art. The restored Barkenhoff complex houses the Heinrich Vogeler Museum, with an extensive exhibition on the artist’s life and work.

At Haus im Schluh, Heinrich Vogeler’s work is presented in the context of his artistic and personal life. The historic rooms are furnished with paintings, furniture, Art Nouveau objects and personal mementos. The house also has a historic hand-weaving workshop with traditional looms. You can watch trained weavers at work there; whether this is possible during your visit may vary. Woven products are available to buy in the museum shop.

The Museum am Modersohn-Haus presents the Bernhard Kaufmann Collection in the former home of Paula Modersohn-Becker and Otto Modersohn. Its modern extension displays works by Fritz Mackensen, Hans am Ende, Fritz Overbeck, Otto Modersohn and Heinrich Vogeler, from the founding generation of Worpswede painters. The Käseglocke offers a different architectural landmark: the circular house, designed by Bruno Taut in 1926, now serves as a museum of applied art from the region.

Landscape, trails and cycling routes

The landscape around Worpswede includes mixed woodland on the Weyerberg, open pastureland and unspoilt moorland. For walks, the Weyerberger Sliekpad passes the Worpswede Tourist Information Office and continues through scenic spots in the artists’ village and along the Weyerberg. Check route details locally before setting off. The Breites Wasser tour starts in Worpswede Neu Helgoland; trail conditions and access may vary seasonally.

Cyclists can also find their way around easily: in and around Worpswede, the network of routes is signposted to ADFC standards and marked with a numbered junction system. This allows you to tailor your route—from short rides to multi-day tours. Check the signposting and digital route options before setting off.

Plan the right stay

If you are travelling with family, different interests can shape your plans for the day: some may be most interested in museums and artists’ history, while others may also want to include walks and cycling tours. You can choose your accommodation based on the experiences you are looking for in Worpswede.

The Tourist Information Office for Worpswede and the Devil’s Moor provides advice on accommodation, dining, tickets, packages and booking options. To travel from Bremen Central Station, you can take VBN bus 670. Another option is to take the regional train to Osterholz-Scharmbeck and continue from there on VBN bus 640. Route numbers and timetables may change, so check your connection before travelling.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Schwanewede, Ritterhude, Hambergen, Dannenberg, Lilienthal, Vollersode, Grasberg, Osterholz-Scharmbeck.

For the main travel overview: Osterholz.