Hänigs Tar Museum

The Hänigsen Tar Museum in the municipality of Uetze is one of the region of Hanover’s most extraordinary technical landmarks. On the Kuhlenberg, north of Hänigsen, lies one of the oldest documented oil deposits in northern Germany.

As early as the 16th century, what was known as “Hänigsen tar” was extracted here. The viscous petroleum naturally seeped to the surface in what were called tar pits and was skimmed off by hand. Among other things, it was used as a lubricant, fuel, and remedy for both humans and animals.

Today, the museum illustrates the development of oil production—from its humble beginnings to later technical methods. The outdoor exhibit features historic equipment such as extraction machinery, pumps, and a replica drilling rig. This gives visitors a vivid insight into the history of “black gold” in the region.

The combination of an open-air museum, a historic tar pit, and an exhibition makes the Hänigser Tar Museum a special destination for those interested in technology and history in the Hanover vacation region.

You can find out more at the local history museum in the town center at Pappaul (Tel. 05147/1263).