The old harbour in the Hanseatic town of Stade could be closed off by a log, which was put across the water. The handling of this tree as well as the total control over the harbour business was the task of the tree closer, the harbour master. For that reason his office was called Baumhaus (tree house). The preserved half-timbered house was built in the years 1774/75 and is now privately owned. It houses a museum, which has been built by private initiative only. It shows the lovingly compiled collection 'Old Stade'. Whatever it is and has to do only in the slightest with Stade and stems from the 18th to 20th century, from old photos, to documents and beer bottled to historical bricks and stones can be seen here.

More information is available on http://www.stade-tourismus.de/de/baumhaus