Historic mills, a centrally located lake, Schlosssee, and a nature reserve in the district of Winkel reveal different sides of Gifhorn. If you’re looking for a hotel in Gifhorn, you can plan your stay around your own interests: cultural and historical attractions, relaxation by the water, and nature each have their own focus here.
Mills and historic buildings
The International Wind and Watermill Museum in Gifhorn showcases historic mills from various countries and brings traditional craftsmanship to life. The Welfenschloss dates back to the 16th century. It lies on the northern edge of the district town of Gifhorn, between Schlosssee and the Ise River, and is surrounded by wide moats. Its location and architecture give it a distinctive place in Gifhorn’s history.
St. Nicolai Church, a Protestant Baroque church built between 1733 and 1744, stands in Gifhorn’s market square. The Old Gifhorn Town Hall was built in 1562 and served as the town hall until 1843/44. Its carved infill panels include depictions of trades practiced by Gifhorn’s guilds, animals, foliage, and geometric decorative patterns. Gothic inscriptions and the year 1562 can also be seen there.
The Kavalierhaus in Gifhorn’s old town was built in 1546 by master builder Michael Clare for the castle governor Caspar von Leipzig. Today, EMMA – Museum Apartment in the Kavalierhaus Gifhorn displays 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. The town hall, church, castle, and Kavalierhaus thus offer different points of interest for visitors drawn to architecture and the history of everyday life.
Schlosssee and the Gifhorn Heath
Gifhorn’s Schlosssee is centrally located in the city center between Gifhorn Castle and the Mill Museum. The lake has picnic and leisure areas, a large themed playground, and a fitness trail. These amenities make Schlosssee a good place to take a break, get some exercise, or spend time by the water.
The Gifhorn Heath, covering around 32 hectares, lies to the west in the Gifhorn district of Winkel. It is part of the Upper Aller Lowland natural region and encompasses a section of the ancient Aller river valley. As an important refuge for fauna and flora, it is part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas. This gives it a different focus from the buildings and the lakeside in the city center: here, the heath and protected landscape take center stage.
The Gifhorn Heath can be reached via Kellerberg Street, which joins Winkeler Weg; parking is available right by the entrance. Check the access route and parking options before setting out. A two-hour guided walk, “Hermann Löns and the Heath,” is also offered in the heath. It covers topics including how the heath was formed, used, and maintained.
Weekly market and route planning
Gifhorn’s weekly market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday. Regional and seasonal offerings vary, and exceptions may apply on public holidays. The market adds a regular event in town life to a visit to the historic sites, with a selection that changes from one market day to the next.
Cyclists can also find plenty of options: numerous cycle paths and cycling routes run through Gifhorn and the surrounding region, through the town and the heath, to lakes and through forests, and past places of interest. As conditions on individual routes may change, it’s advisable to check your chosen route before setting out. You can select the destinations described here based on your interests, without assuming that every activity requires the same mode of transport or a fixed itinerary.
This selection helps you tailor your planned visits to your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Hillerse, Ribbesbüttel, Leiferde, Schönewörde, Calberlah, Ummern, Abbesbüttel, Meine
View the main travel overview: Gifhorn.
