Celebration of Mill Day in Germany - Blending Tradition, Heritage, and Triumph along the Wupper River
The 32nd German Mill Day ("Deutscher Mühlentag") took place on Pentecost Monday in the Bergisches Land region, attracting numerous visitors despite better weather than expected. This annual event, organised by the German Society for Milling and Mill Preservation (DGM e. V.) and its regional associations, celebrates historic mills, water-powered plants, and traditional hammer mills across Germany, including the Rhineland region.
The Rhineland region played host to various historic mills, hammer mills, and water power plants. Among them were old mills dating back several centuries, still operational or preserved as cultural heritage sites, hammer mills that historically used water power to operate heavy forging hammers for metalworking, and water power plants showcasing early industrial uses of hydropower in the region.
The Old Mill in Cochem, for instance, is a prime example of a historic mill participating in the event. Dating back to the 14th century, it is one of the oldest mills in the region and offers visitors a glimpse into the past with guided tours, craft demonstrations, and sometimes music or local culinary specialties.
Another notable mill is the New Mill in Wermelskirchen, which now houses a popular restaurant with a varied menu combining regional and seasonal cuisine with modern touches. Due to its inviting atmosphere, a reservation is recommended.
Lamberts Mill in Burscheid is a living centre for preserving local heritage, with a dedicated support association keeping it in operation. Visitor numbers at Lamberts Mill are high, with long lines at the bakery, full parking lots, interactive activities for children, and engaging conversations in historical rooms.
The Reuschenbergermill, built in 1847, was used as a turbine-driven grinding mill, paper factory, and now serves as a hydroelectric power plant. A small cinema on site provides a history insight, and an Italian food truck offers food for visitors.
The Steiner Mill in Odenthal, first mentioned in 1269, is a lovingly maintained residence located in an idyllic side valley. Each group designs the program for their mill individually, offering historical demonstrations, films, museum tours, children's activities, and regional specialties.
For exact participating sites and detailed program schedules, local tourism offices or specialized heritage organisations in the Rhineland region typically provide annual listings and event information. More information about the program and participating mills can be found at www.muehlenregion-rheinland.lvr.de.
This year's Mill Day included an oldtimer tour to four special mills: Reuschenbergermill in Leverkusen, Steiner Mill in Odenthal, Lamberts Mill in Burscheid, and Neue Mühle in Wermelskirchen. Günter Bloemer, a 92-year-old model maker, was met at the Steiner Mill, sharing stories about his miniature windmills, ship models, and airships.
The German Mill Day is more than a cultural offering, serving as a journey to roots for many visitors and ending with gratitude and anticipation for the next year. It is a unique opportunity to connect history with the present, share knowledge, create experiences, and evoke memories.
The Rhineland region, a participator in the German Mill Day, showcases a plethora of historic mills, home-and-garden equipment, and water-powered plants that reflect the local lifestyle of yesteryears. These include the Old Mill in Cochem, a 14th-century operational or preserved site, and Lamberts Mill in Burscheid, a hub for preserving cultural heritage, complete with a bustling bakery and interactive activities for children.
