The Suedheide Gifhorn: a destination which is fun

Enjoy our fresh clean air and open countryside. The Bourough of Gifhorn is mainly rural with less than 1/10 of the area built-up. The beautiful landscape is studded with woods and forests, heathland, fields, moorland, lakes, rivers and streams that offer peace and tranquillity and an escape from the grind-stone of work. The sandy soil attracts the warmth of the sun and contributes to the healthy climate which has earned the villages of Hankensbüttel and Brome the prestigious awards of state-approved health resorts.

The local hotels and restaurants offer a broad range of holiday to suit your individual taste: farm holidays, small, beautifully kept B&Bs, holiday apartments, cosy village inns and 4 star hotels. There is so much to see and do here.

In the heart of the county town lies the Castle of the Guelphs. Built between 1525 and 1581 the castle is an impressive example of a fortified Renaissance residence. Today it is the seat of the local government and houses the Local History Museum, with exhibits from prehistoric times to the present. Not only is the castle the jewel of the local area but it is also used as a cultural centre for concerts, lectures, art exhibitions and festivals.

Close to the castle is the International Open-Air Mill Museum, which is the only one of its kind in Europe. 16 original mills are set in a large area of lakes and parkland, the centrepiece being an an enormous exhibition hall which houses over 50 working models of windmills. Regular open air concerts take place around the old bakery, featuring famous artists and orchestras and attracting audiences from far and wide.

Gifhorn Borough Council maintains five museums and invites you to visit the most interesting permanent and current exhibitions which give you an insight into the regional museum life.

Visit the Otter Centre and animal sanctuary in Hankensbüttel on the Isenhagen Lake. This interactive centre will show you the interdependence of man, beast and the environment. You can see otters, beech and pinemartens, polecats and stoat in their natural environments.

Or perhaps you’re looking for something a bit more active or adventurous? Cycling, walking, riding, tennis or golf, or for the water fans you can canoe, sail or windsurf – it’s all here! Horse lovers can go trekking or see the Heath more sedately by horse-drawn carriage.

We are looking forward to seeing you and invite you to discover for yourself the most beautiful spots of Gifhorn’s Heath.

Your Tourist Information Team

City walking trip

La ville des moulins