Open Air Museum Molfsee - State Museum of Ethnology

The Open Air Museum Molfsee is an open-air ethnology museum in Schleswig-Holstein that displays historical architecture spread across meadows and gardens. Approximately 70 buildings, including farmhouses, mills, and village structures from the 16th to 20th centuries, have been relocated and reconstructed on the site to show how people lived in this region.

The museum was founded to preserve rural culture in Schleswig-Holstein by transferring threatened buildings from their original locations to the collection. This rescue initiative began in the early 20th century and has continually brought more structures together to create a comprehensive picture of regional life.

Craftspeople demonstrate skills like basket weaving and blacksmithing that have been passed down through generations in the region. Visitors can observe how these techniques were used in daily life and understand their importance to the community.

The site is expansive and requires comfortable footwear as well as time to explore all the buildings at your own pace. Regular guided tours are available and there is a restaurant and shop area where visitors can rest between explorations.

The museum maintains working farms with period-appropriate animals that show the role livestock played in daily life. Visitors can observe these animals and understand how farming and animal husbandry shaped the economy and way of life in the region.