Rediscovering History on Mill Day in Saxony
Millstone-marking festivities in Saxony - Millennium Milestones: Saxony Honors its Historic Mills
Step back in time as Saxony celebrates its mills on Mill Day - a nationwide event that marks a significant day in the calendar for enthusiasts and tourists alike. On the 9th of June, multiple mills across Saxony will open their doors, inviting visitors for a sneak peek into the past. This year, Bad Düben will be the proud host of an ecumenical church service to kick off the festivities.
Curious visitors can explore the post mill and the upper mill in Bad Düben. The upper mill, a historic water mill, is the oldest of its kind in the area, dating back to around 1500. To add to the experience, the event will feature live music, theater performances, and various craft demonstrations. These enlightening displays promise everything from basket weaving and spinning, to bobbin lace making and woodturning workshops.
Be captivated by the spirit of Mill Day as around 600 mills open their gates nationwide. According to Friedrich Rohlfing, Managing Director of the German Society for Milling History and Mill Preservation (DGM), restored mills are not just important from a monument protection viewpoint, but they hold an "enormous importance for the place" as a cultural center. Mills organize multiple action days throughout the year, attracting tourists and serving as a cultural hub for nearby communities.
Intriguing mills joining this year's Mill Day celebration are scattered all across Saxony. For instance, visitors can climb the 435-meter-high parish hill above the village of Kottmarsdorf in the Lusatia region to see the 50-ton wooden behemoth, the post mill, since 1843. The historical town of Grimma offers a unique atmosphere, merging a museum watermill with glimpses into the daily life of a miller in the 1800s, coupled with a small fair around its historical reconstruction. Meanwhile, the little train "Schlendrian" offers rides to the windmill.
The Association for the restored protected residential mill Schmidt-Rottluff in Chemnitz will participate in Mill Day for the first time since their reopening in 2024. The group looks forward to welcoming visitors, hoping that the historic engine, which boasts more than 100 years of operation, will return in time for the festivities. This mill in Chemnitz holds literary ties, as it connects to painter and co-founder of the "Bridge" group, Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, whose father made his living here as a miller.
If you find yourself in the Saxon Switzerland, consider pairing a Pentecost walk with a visit to the Neumann Mill, nestled in the Kirnitzsch valley. Although a small sawmill has been documented there since the 14th century, visitors can witness the restoration of the wood planing mill for paper production firsthand.
Minister of Culture Barbara Klepsch (CDU) affirms the attraction of historical mills within the villages of Saxony for culture-focused day tourists. She notes that Mill Day has been held annually on Pentecost Monday since 1994, highlighting the event's rich history and commitment to preserving the region's industrial legacy. So, gear up for an upcoming exploration of Saxony and dive into a world of marvelous mills and captivating craftsmanship that define Mill Day!
Heritage, Culture, Mill Day, Saxony, Bad Düben, Pentecost Monday, Skills Workshops, Discoveries, Engineering, Craftsmanship, History, Tourism.
[1] Before finalizing plans, seeking local event listings or official announcements would provide more accurate information about participating mills.
- For a lifestyle steeped in history and craftsmanship, consider attending Mill Day events across Saxony's communities, where you can take part in skills workshops focused on environmental conservation, such as basket weaving and bobbin lace making.
- As you journey through Saxony's picturesque landscapes during travel, immerse yourself in the rich environment by visiting restored mills in home-and-garden settings, like the Schmidt-Rottluff Mill in Chemnitz, which boasts literary ties and fuses fashion-and-beauty with practical wisdom passed down through generations.
- To maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle and appreciate the significance of historical mills in shaping the environment and communities, plan your food-and-drink experiences around Mill Day events, such as Pentecost walks and picnics, to fully embrace the culture and heritage of Saxony.
