Hello and welcome!

My name is Babett Otto and I took over the Berndt Mill in Oderwitz in 2023 after the previous owner, Detlef Möller, had to sell it after 17 years for professional reasons.

I found out about the intention to sell by chance and quickly got into conversation with Mr. Möller.

The mill, which dates back to 1787, is in good condition but needs some renovations, such as replacing the roof shingles. I am also planning to use the miller's house as a holiday home. This is a childhood dream come true for me, as I have always had a special connection to the mill. And Mr. Möller, who had to move away for work reasons, is happy that the mill will remain in good hands.

Together with my partner, I am now looking forward to welcoming you as a guest on our excursion!

The history of the Berndtmühle

The Berndtmühle, formerly known as the Hauckmühle, is considered the oldest of the three surviving post mills in Oderwitz. Its origins date back to 1787, when it was built at its current location.

Since then, up until the end of the Second World War, it changed hands six times. The mill remained in the possession of the Berndt family for the longest time, who operated it for three generations. It was therefore also known as the "Berndt Mill". In 1947, the Hauck couple, who had resettled there, bought the mill and modernized it by combining the use of wind and electric power. This change made it possible to keep it running even when there was no wind.

A unique feature of the mill is the enclosed trestle, a special feature among the windmills of Upper Lusatia.

In order to be able to grind grain even when there was no wind, an electric drive was installed in 1947. The mill was shut down in 1963. In 1991, the Berndtmühle, together with the Birkmühle and the Neumannmühle, received the Europa Nostra Prize for their outstanding achievements in the preservation of cultural heritage. Visitors have the opportunity to tour the mill and immerse themselves in its fascinating history.

The mill is an important example of traditional windmill technology in Saxony and represents an important cultural heritage of the region. Post mills, such as the one in Oderwitz, are characterized by their special construction, in which the entire mill housing rests on a central post, the "bock", and can be turned into the wind.

During its long history, the Berndt Mill has undergone many technological and economic changes that reflect the development of the rural economy in Saxony. The switch to combined wind and electric power in 1947 was an innovative solution to reduce dependence on wind conditions and increase productivity.

Today the mill is a valued monument and a popular destination for visitors interested in historic engineering and local history. It offers a fascinating insight into traditional craftsmanship and the adaptability of rural businesses to changing technological realities.

In spring 2024, it received a new codend from the new owner Babett Otto, who has made the cultural heritage a new tourist destination.

to German