Party at the Saxon Mills in Whit Monday Celebrations
Millstone jubilee in Saxony: Commemorating the historical mills of Saxony. - Saxony commemorates its millennium of flour mills operation.
Get ready to dig into some old-school fun! On June 9th, various Saxon mills across the region will throw open their doors to let visitors step back in time and witness the charm of these historical marvels. The German Mill Day, happening nationwide, will see mills in Saxony displaying their sails, water wheels, and more intriguing sights. And the best part? You can be a part of it all!
The small-town charm of Bad Düben will welcome guests with an exciting opening act on this special day, featuring an ecumenical church service. Set your sights on the post mill and the upper mill – the ancient upper mill, mentioned as early as 1500, stands as the oldest and relic of its kind in the area. With live music, theater performances, and a variety of demonstration workshops, be ready to learn new skills such as basket weaving, spinning, knitting, and even woodturning!
Across Germany, about 600 mills invite visitors to explore their historic nooks and crannies on Whit Monday. Friedrich Rohlfing, managing director of the German Society for Mills and Mill Preservation (DGM), believes that conserved mills carry immense importance not just for cultural preservation but also for regional cultures at large. They organize several events throughout the year, acting as tourist attractions as well. Bad Düben, Rohlfing states, is a shining example of mill preservation that draws tourists from far and wide.
Other mills participating in the fun include the impressive post mill in Kottmarsdorf in the Lusatia region. Built in 1843, this 50-ton wooden giant proudly stands on a 435-meter-high hill above the village. On Whit Monday, adventurers can climb up to the roof to catch breathtaking views!
In Grimma, visitors can join the museum water mill for a peek into the life of a miller in the 1800s, while the historic ship mill brings out a small fair for the occasion. Hop on the little train "Schlendrian" to reach the windmill if you wish! And keep your fingers crossed for the mill in Chemnitz, as the historic engine might just make a comeback in time for the event.
In the Saxon Switzerland, a Pentecost hike can combine a visit to the Neumann mill in the Kirnitzsch valley. Though a small sawmill is said to have stood here as early as the 14th century, today, the mill stands as a monument, inn, and attraction, letting visitors experience the restored wood planing mill for paper production in action!
With participating mills shaping the rural Saxon landscape and attracting a heavy dose of culture-enthused tourists, Saxony's Minister of Culture, Barbara Klepsch (CDU), raves about the charm of these historic mills. Since 1994, the German Mill Day has taken place annually on Whit Monday.
Although there's no definitive list of participating mills and activities for Mill Day in Saxony on Whit Monday, you can find local event calendars and reach out to specific mill locations for detailed information on what's in store. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive into some history and fun!
- Mill Day
- Whit Monday
- Bad Düben
- Germany
- Demo Workshops
- Historic Architecture
- Tourism Attraction
- Saxon Switzerland
- Chemnitz
- Kottmarsdorf
- Grimma
- To ensure a sustainable and eco-friendly experience, the community policy encourages visitors to adopt a lifestyle that respects and preserves the environment, particularly during the Mill Day celebrations at various home-and-garden locations like the Saxon mills.
- As the Mill Day events unfold, families spending time together can engage in activities that promote an appreciation of the environment, such as learning traditional skills like basket weaving and woodturning, thereby fostering a positive impact on their home-and-garden lifestyles.
