Worpswede: Art, Museums and Trails in the Teufelsmoor

Worpswede combines a rich art history with the landscape of the Teufelsmoor. To start planning your stay, consider two questions: Which museums would you like to explore in depth, and would you rather spend your time in historic rooms or outdoors on trails? The museums each focus on different areas. For walking and cycling routes, you should also consider starting points and seasonal conditions.

Art and history in the museums

Six museums in Worpswede present collections and special exhibitions on the town’s art history; this number may change if institutions are reorganized. Four of them—Barkenhoff, Große Kunstschau Worpswede, Haus im Schluh and Worpsweder Kunsthalle—present coordinated exhibitions showcasing the diversity of Worpswede art. Special exhibitions may change. If you are interested in a particular subject, take this into account when planning your visit.

The restored Barkenhoff complex houses the Heinrich Vogeler Museum. The extensive exhibition is devoted to the artist’s life and work. Vogeler is therefore the focus here, while other Worpswede museums explore further aspects of art history. The exhibition at Barkenhoff may also change.

Haus im Schluh places Heinrich Vogeler’s work in the context of his artistic and personal life. The presentation is shaped by historic rooms containing paintings, furniture, Art Nouveau objects and personal mementos. A visit also includes the historic hand-weaving workshop, where you can watch trained weavers at historic looms. Whether this is possible during your visit may vary. You can buy woven products in the museum shop.

The Museum am Modersohn-Haus displays the Bernhard Kaufmann Collection in the former home of Paula Modersohn-Becker and Otto Modersohn. The modern extension is devoted to works by Fritz Mackensen, Hans am Ende, Fritz Overbeck, Otto Modersohn and Heinrich Vogeler—artists from the founding generation of Worpswede painting. This brings the collection in the historic home together with works by these five painters under one roof.

The Käseglocke is a distinctive architectural feature: designed by Bruno Taut in 1926, this round house now serves as a museum of regional applied arts. If you would like to look beyond paintings and artists’ biographies to design and applied arts, you will find a different focus here.

Landscape and trails around Worpswede

The Teufelsmoor landscape around Worpswede is characterized by a wide horizon, distinctive light and an unspoiled feel. The surrounding area also includes mixed woodland, open pastures and unspoiled moorland. This landscape perspective complements a museum visit, without requiring both interests to fit into the same day’s plan.

For a walk, the Weyerberger Sliekpad starts at the Worpswede Tourist Information Office and passes scenic spots in the artists’ village and on the Weyerberg. The Breites-Wasser hike, by contrast, starts in Worpswede Neu Helgoland. The different starting points can help you choose a route. Check route details before setting out; trail conditions and access may change seasonally.

Cyclists can also tailor their routes in and around Worpswede in different ways: the network uses ADFC-standard signage and a junction system. This makes it possible to plan short rides as well as day trips or multi-day tours. Check signage and digital route options before setting off.

Getting there and finding your way around

From Bremen Central Station, you can reach Worpswede on VBN bus 670. Another option is to take the regional train to Osterholz-Scharmbeck and then transfer to VBN bus 640. Route numbers and timetables may change; check both before departure. This lets you plan your journey around the connection that suits you, without relying on specific travel times or transfers.

The Tourist Information Office for Worpswede and the Teufelsmoor provides advice on accommodation, dining, tickets, packages and booking options. If you would like to combine museum visits with time on the trails, you can also ask about suitable options for your stay there.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Osterholz.