Witnessed firsthand on the day of the milling process
Step into Schwabsoien's Milling Past on Pentecost Monday
Munich
A Scenic Journey Through Time
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Head to Schwabsoien on the Schoenach for an unforgettable Mill Day celebration on Pentecost Monday. Get a glimpse of what makes this picturesque village in Bavaria special, all while experiencing its rich milling heritage.
Every Whit Monday, Germany's beloved mills fling open their doors, and Schwabsoien, nestled near Schongau, is one of the most enchanting spots to explore its milling legacy. With around ten historic mills dotting the landscape, several still in operation as electricity generators or museums, Mill Day offers the perfect opportunity to delve into the village's captivating past. Let Mayor Manfred Schmid be your guide as you step back in time.
The vibrant atmosphere of a flourishing village envelops Schwabsoien during Mill Day. The clatter of mill wheels permeates the air, harmony fills the streets as brass bands play, and children frolic amid the stalls while food enthusiasts savor delicious treats. Every half hour, a tour kicks off on the scenic Mill Trail. Equipped with signposts and information boards, this walk takes you upstream to the sources of the Schoenach and can be enjoyed year-round.
Your adventure begins at the Probst Mill, a sawmill that operated for roughly 100 years until 1992 and later served as a grinding mill. The mill is a time capsule, preserving historical machines on various floors, including grain-cleaning, grinding, and sifting equipment. Even the elevator, which transported bags of grain to the 18 grinding stations, remains in place today. The wheel, standing five meters high, still generates electricity at the Probst Mill. A short stroll away, you'll find the Keller Art Mill - a nod to the artificial grinding mechanism in the mills. The history of the "Keller" dates back over five centuries. Following a village fire in 1823, both the sawmill and grinding mill were rebuilt. Today, the mill generates electricity, although the turbine remains hidden from outside view.
A brief, hidden path takes you steeply upward, traversing rocky tuff formations. "This limestone has been used for construction within the village for centuries," local knowledge shares Manfred Schmid. Continue on to the Schoenach, and you'll reach the route's crowning glory, the Hammer Mill. Mentioned in documents as early as 1415, this mill is one of Germany's oldest hammer mills. For nearly four centuries, it remained under monastic ownership and played a vital role in the surrounding community. Secularization marked the mill's transition to private ownership, and in 1986 it was meticulously restored by Peter Goetz, the great-grandson of one of the mill's original owners. Today, Peter opens the doors of the museum on Mill Day, as well as twice a month, giving visitors the chance to witness the massive, original-smith hammer swing into action, crafting wagon tires, and tool parts from metal.
Following theSchoenach's course, our journey culminates at its source. "Curiously, there are seven sources to the Schoenach," shares the mayor. Each stream feeds into tiny watercourses nestled in a forested area, which converge to form the mighty Schoenach. Exploring this source area through a narrow wooden planked path, you'll discover that, on average, an impressive 300 liters per second of water gushes forth. The river's secret lies beneath the hills in the northwest - a vast underground lake that slowly empties and refills, ensuring the mills always had a steady water supply, even during dry times.
Your trip winds back toward the village, passing the former arms forge, and concluding at the carriage museum of Johann Hartmann, a treasure trove containing over 30 historical carriages and sleds from across the ages, from humble cow carts to carriage coaches. This final gem is just another shining testament to Schwabsoien's unique charm, on full display during Mill Day.
Christian Rauch
### Travel Information
Departure Point: Town hall parking lot, Schongauer Str. 1, 86987 Schwabsoien, reached via B17 Landsberg-Schongau or B472 from Weilheim/Peißenberg, or through Schongau train station to the "Schwabsoien, Post" bus stop (limited weekend connections).
The Mill Trail is approximately 3km long, with detailed information and maps available at: www.schwabsoien.de/tourism/millpath. Guided tours during regular business hours or group tours by appointment are available at the mills on Mill Day.
Mill Day: Monday, June 9, from 10 am, offering half-hourly guided tours, demonstrations at active mills, music, food, and ample parking.
Hammerschmiedemuseum: Open during Mill Day and the 1st and 3rd Sundays in September from 2 pm to 4 pm (excepted Sundays).
Experience the harmony of outdoor-living and home-and-garden within Schwabsoien, a picturesque village in Bavaria, during their Mill Day celebration. Take a stroll on the Mill Trail, an outdoor walk that takes you through the scenic landscapes of the Schoenach, showcasing ten historic mills, some still operating and others transformed into museums.
