Pumpkin & Potato Festival at the Mill Museum

The Mill Museum as an Autumnal Backdrop

The International Mill Museum Gifhorn is one of Northern Germany's most extraordinary museum complexes. Over several decades, mills from all over the world have been rebuilt in their original form on an extensive open-air site on the outskirts of the city. In autumn, when the leaves change color and the heath air becomes cooler, the grounds take on a particularly atmospheric mood. The Pumpkin and Potato Festival uses this setting as a backdrop for a folk festival focusing on Northern German autumn cuisine.

Pumpkin and Potato at the Center

Both products – pumpkin and potato – are deeply rooted in Northern German food culture. The potato has been indispensable in the local kitchen since Frederick the Great, and the pumpkin has experienced a significant renaissance in the last two decades. At the festival, both products are presented in numerous variations: savory and sweet, traditional and modern, regional and international.

Pumpkin Variety

Direct marketers from the region offer pumpkins of all shapes and sizes: from small Hokkaido to large Butternut, as well as giant pumpkins and decorative gourds. Workshops on preparation, carving, and decoration with pumpkins complement the offerings. Those who wish can also have a Halloween pumpkin carved to their own design or grab the carving tools themselves.

Potato Specialties

The potato is featured in the form of potato pancakes, fried potatoes, dumplings, potato soup, potato salad, gratins, and even as potato schnapps. Regional producers showcase old and new potato varieties, explaining the differences in taste, texture, and use.

Families and Mill Demonstrations

While the market visit forms the core of the family program, the museum's mills are also in operation. Demonstrations in the Dutch mill and the bakehouse show the process from grain to bread. For children, there are pumpkin carving workshops, craft activities, and small games.