Grinding the Old Way: The Living History of Milling in Lüneburg's Historical Mill
Old-Fashioned Grinding Techniques Prevalent in Lueneburg - Ancient Grinding Techniques Persist Near Lüneburg
Where wind whistles through its sails, the old mill in Bardowick, Lüneburg continues to grind grain just as it did centuries ago. Six days a week, the sixth-generation miller Eckhard Meyer keeps the tradition alive.
Back in the day, Germany was home to 15,000 windmills. Today, only five still commercially operate. The mill at Bardowick, a gallery Holländer, rumbles with a charm of yesteryears. Despite its nostalgic charm, it's only capable of grinding two to three tons of grain daily. The process is a blend of contemporary technology and old-school wind power, making it a unique niche.
"Competing with the industrial mills wouldn't have been feasible," admits Meyer, acknowledging modern millers' reliance on automated machinery. In contrast, he takes pride in the tangible touch of traditional craftsmanship, from monitoring every step of the process to selling regional products at their farm shop and café.
Well-aged grains, including rare varieties, are the secret to the mill's success. Online sales are about to be introduced this week.
Their pioneering milling methods aren't just a century-old craft; it's a cultural attraction. Son Juro, freshly graduated as a miller, plans to continue the legacy as the seventh generation. The family is pondering over rebuilding a second historical mill for a one-of-a-kind operation in Germany.
Employing 35 individuals across production, the shop, and the inn, the family prepares for their annual traditional milling festival, drawing thousands of visitors. Last year, around 5,000 spectators witnessed the event.
The festival's highlights include live demonstrations of aged farming techniques, rooftop craft shows, hand-grinding stations for children, guided tours, and a morning church service in the old mill barn. The farm's reconfigured half-timbered houses house a modern café offering a stunning view.
While specific details about the milling festival in Lüneburg were scant, the town's vibrant local products and old-world crafts make it a celebrated cultural hub.
In the heart of Lüneburg, the Meyer family is considering rebuilding a second historical mill, leveraging their unique milling methods and rich cultural heritage to establish an unparalleled operation in Germany. Their annual traditional milling festival, showcasing aged farming techniques, rooftop craft shows, and live demonstrations, attracts thousands of visitors each year, securing Lüneburg's reputation as a celebrated cultural hub that values its home-and-garden traditions and community policies, including vocational training programs for new generations to carry on the rich legacy of milling.
