Hänigs Tar Museum

The Hänigsen Tar Museum in the municipality of Uetze is one of the most remarkable industrial landmarks in the Region Hannover. Located on Kuhlenberg, north of Hänigsen, it is home to 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 evolution of oil production—from its humble beginnings to more advanced technical methods. The outdoor exhibition area features historical 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 unique destination for history and technology enthusiasts in the Hannover Holiday Region.

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