Day of Animals at the Museum Village Hösseringen

Animals and Tradition

The Day of Animals is one of the most popular family events at the Museum Village Hösseringen. On May 31, 2026, regional poultry and rabbit breeders will transform the open-air museum into a showcase for encountering farm animals. The breeders, members of local associations from the Uelzen district, will present their animals with expert explanations.

Poultry Diversity

The exhibition area will feature a variety of chicken breeds: from the robust Vorwerk chicken to the silky Augsburg chicken and the proud Brahma. Roosters will display their full splendor of colors, and hens will show off their chicks. In addition, there will be pigeons (fantail, racing, and tumbler pigeons), ducks (Indian runner ducks, Peking ducks), and in some years, geese or quails. For city children, this is often their first close encounter with live poultry.

Rabbits of All Sizes

A dedicated area is reserved for rabbits: giant breeds like the German Giant, medium-sized breeds like the Vienna or Dutch, small dwarf rabbits, and colorful breeds like Rex rabbits. The breeders will explain their care, feeding, and the history of the breeds. Petting is allowed under supervision—an experience that particularly delights children.

Weaving as a Craft Demonstration

Alongside the animal show, a weaving craft demonstration will take place. Using historic looms, visitors can see how fabrics are made from wool threads—a technique that was part of everyday rural life in the Lüneburg Heath for centuries. From spinning the wool to warping the loom and weaving the weft, visitors can follow the entire process. Children can also try their hand under guidance.

The Museum Village as a Backdrop

The Museum Village Hösseringen is one of Lower Saxony's most important open-air museums. Over 20 historic buildings—heathland farmhouses, mills, bakehouses, smithies, stepped granaries—have been meticulously reconstructed and showcase the rural life of the Lüneburg Heath from the 17th to the 19th century. The Day of Animals brings this setting to life with the animals that were once part of the farm operations.

Family Day with an Educational Focus

The Day of Animals is more than just a petting zoo. It combines an animal exhibition, craft demonstration, and museum visit into a family day with an educational purpose. Children learn where food comes from, how wool becomes fabric, and what life was like on a heathland farm. Adults can connect with the region's history.