Emsland Moormuseum, Peatland museum in Geeste, Germany
The Emsland Moormuseum is a facility with two exhibition halls documenting the history and technology of peat extraction in the region. The grounds also include a large outdoor area with renaturalized moors, where the landscape has recovered its natural form.
The facility grew from a local history group's collection of old machines in the 1970s, as the region's peat and agricultural practices were changing rapidly. The museum was established to preserve knowledge of this disappearing way of life.
The museum reflects how peat extraction shaped the lives and work of local communities for many generations. Visitors see the tools and techniques displayed, revealing how this labor defined the region's identity and brought people together.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from March through October and sits near the A31 highway for easy access. Comfortable shoes are recommended since visitors explore the outdoor areas on foot and weather can be unpredictable.
The museum houses a massive steam-powered plow, one of the largest machines of its kind ever built, showcasing the power of historical technology. Visitors can also ride a narrow-gauge railway that passes through the moorland, offering a different way to experience the landscape.
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