Get a Glimpse of the Past: Exploring Mill Day in Bad Düben, Saxony
Captivating attractions: Historical mills enthrall tourists - Historic mills entice travelers in numerous locations, offering a glimpse into the past.
The quaint mills of Saxony offered a glimpse into the past and the ancient milling trade on a recent day. This was all part of the nationwide launch of Mill Day, held in the picturesque town of Bad Düben (Nordsachsen district). The event kicked off with a church service, music, and the traditional miller's greeting - a hearty "Good luck!" - at the Obermühle and the post mill in Bad Düben. The turnout was impressive, with many intrigued visitors, according to the chairwoman of the Saxon Mill Association, Bettina Böhme.
Nationwide, more than 600 mills flung open their doors for curious visitors.
The Saxon Mill Association is made up of around 160 members who preserve and care for roughly 120 mills, including water mills, wind mills, and those driven by motor. The venerable Obermühle, a historic water mill in Bad Düben, was first documented in 1500 and is considered the oldest such mill in the area. The Düben post mill, originally situated in Glesien, had to make way for the expansion of Leipzig-Halle Airport. A new home was provided for the post mill by the Museumsdorf Dübener Heide e.V., who relocated and rebuilt it north of the Obermühle, where it reopened in 2006.
This Mill Day extravaganza in Bad Düben was a noteworthy part of the wider German Mill Day celebration, held nationwide, that honors the historical and cultural significance of mills throughout the country. By visiting these historical landmarks, we pay tribute to the people who built and maintained them, as well as the thriving communities that grew around them.
As part of the Mill Day festivities, visitors were invited to explore the extensive history and cultural significance of mills, including the venerable Obermühle, a water mill first documented in 1500. To enrich the community and the lives of its members, the Saxon Mill Association also offers vocational training in milling, helping to preserve this ancient trade for future generations. In an effort to maintain a lifestyle rooted in the past, home-and-garden enthusiasts might find interest in the traditional techniques and skills exhibited during these events.
