Reviving the Ancient Art of Milling in Lüneburg's Time-Honed Mill
Ancient Craft of Grinding Finds New Life in Luneburg - Age-old artisanal grinding techniques being practiced nearby Lüneburg
Take a step back in time at the historic mill in Bardowick near Lüneburg, where time-honored milling practices remain the norm - all done by hand. "We grind away six days, sometimes six and a half," says Eckhard Meyer, the sixth-generation mill proprietor. "There were once 15,000 windmills in Germany, now only five are still commercially operational."
The windmill, boasting grand sails called a gallery holland, purrs with life. They manage to churn through two to three tons of grain daily, but no more. Milling takes place both electrically and with the wind energy harnessed by the mill's nostalgic sails.
"It's a niche market," concedes the 57-year-old. "We'd have been buried by the competition in the industry yesterday." In contrast, industrial mills only monitor their facilities, with automation ruling out human contact with a sack of flour.
Keeping the myth alive: regionality and an inviting atmosphere, including a farm shop and café. Nine different types of grain are milled, with old, heirloom varieties gaining popularity. "I think the customers want someone who stands for the product," opines Meyer. The mill will launch online sales this week.
Preparations underway for the bustling Milling Festival
Handed down through the generations, this ancient craft mill, constructed in 1813, continues to operate. Juro Meyer, the family's 24-year-old son, recently completed his master's exam in Stuttgart and plans to revive the farm as the seventh generation miller.
To ensure a sustainable future, the family is exploring funding options to rebuild a second historic mill. "It would be unprecedented in Germany," notes Meyer, "two old mills operating together."
Currently, 35 people are employed across production, the farm shop, and café, which Ilka Meyer-Telschow is readying for the traditional Milling Festival on Monday. Last year, the event drew in around 5,000 visitors. In addition to the café, which was crafted by dismantling and reassembling two timber-framed houses from the vicinity, there's a range of attractions.
Visitors can witness demonstrations of traditional farming methods, such as horse-drawn plowing, observe the artistry of a roofer and marvel at more than 20 stands showcasing local artisans. Children can even get hands-on experience milling grain, while guided tours offer additional insights into the mill's history. Before the festivities begin, the church congregation holds a service in the old mill barn.
- Lüneburg
- Craft
- Germany
- The seventh-generation miller, Juro Meyer, aims to revitalize the farm as the next artisan, incorporating vocational training to preserve the ancient craft of milling in Lüneburg, Germany.
- During the Milling Festival, visitors can immerse themselves in the lifestyle of Lüneburg's time-honored mill by attending demonstrations of traditional farming methods, observing artisans, and even participating in hands-on vocational training for a home-and-garden aesthetic.
