Keeping the Past Alive: The Ancient Art of Grinding in Lüneburg, Germany
Ancient Practice of Grinding Showcased in Lünegaurg: A Glimpse into its Historical Artisanal Traditions - Ancient craft of grinding discovered in vicinity of Lüneburg
Step back in time at the traditional mill in Bardowick, near the charming town of Lüneburg. This place harks back to the old days, still grinding grains the old-fashioned way - on demand. Eckhard Meyer, the sixth-generation owner of the mill, shares, "We put in six days' work, sometimes even six and a half. Once upon a time, there were 15,000 windmills in Germany, but today, only five remain in commercial operation."
The old-school mill, with its colossal wings - a gallery Holländer - hums with life. They can grind two to three tons of grain a day, but that's the limit. The grinding is powered electrically and by the sentimental energy of the mill's antiquated sails.
Eckhard admits, "This business can only survive in a niche. We would have lost to industry competition yesterday. There, they merely monitor the facilities, and the flour is produced automatically. No one touches a sack of flour anymore."
The Meyers' secret to success: local sourcing and the ambiance of a farm shop and café. They process nine different types of grain, with old varieties being particularly popular. According to Eckhard, "I think our customers want a representative of the product they can trust." They're soon launching online sales.
Come the milling festival, they expect thousands of visitors. Wife Ilka Meyer-Telschow is gearing up for the event, running the traditional café and preparing attractions like demonstrations of horse-drawn plowing, thatching shows, and over 20 stands of local artisans. To indulge the little ones, there's even a hands-on grinding experience and guided tours. Before the festivities, the community church holds a service in the old mill barn.
The grinding continues traditionally at the 1813-built mill, with Juro Meyer, the sixth generation, having recently acquired his master's certificate in Stuttgart. He dreams of carrying on the family farm in the seventh generation one day. To ensure the future of the business, the family is mulling over rebuilding a second historic mill, a unique venture in Germany. "We're on the hunt for financing options," says Eckhard about the ambitious project.
Currently, the operation employs 35 people, making it a hub of activity. From the production team to the inn's staff, everyone is bustling around. In the face of technological advancements, these traditional craft mills stand tall, symbolizing resilience and adaptability.
- Lüneburg
- Craft
- Germany
Traditional craft mills, like the one in Lüneburg, are safeguarding age-old techniques while catering to modern expectations through several crucial strategies:
Preserving Ancient Techniques
- Traditional Craftsmanship: Older construction methods, such as dry-stone and woodwork, are being used to preserve the historical integrity of the mills, while also safeguarding the cultural heritage of the region.
- Preservation and Education: Efforts are being made to restore these mills, often incorporating educational programs that teach the next generation age-old skills, preventing knowledge from fading away.
- Revitalization of Historic Water Systems: Ancient water systems, essential for mill functioning, are being meticulously restored, ensuring they remain functional and serve as a testament to the past.
Adapting to Modern Needs
- Eco-friendly and Efficient Solutions: Although maintaining tradition, modern mills are being tweaked to meet contemporary demands for sustainability and efficiency, using renewable energy sources or optimizing the milling process without disrupting the historic essence of the mill.
- Innovation and Technology: Careful integration of modern technology allows for enhancements in the milling process, such as automated systems to manage grain flow or improve product quality, without diluting the traditional character of the mill.
- Tourism and Community Engagement: Many traditional mills are becoming tourist attractions or community centers, offering tours, workshops, and events that engage visitors with traditional crafts, supporting local economies and preserving cultural heritage.
By skilfully balancing the old with the new, these traditional craft mills remain significant and lively parts of contemporary society.
- The community in Lüneburg, Germany, has a unique artisanal mill that takes a step back in time while still catering to modern needs, serving as a symbol of resilience and adaptability.
- To safeguard age-old techniques and cultural heritage, traditional mills in Germany are adopting eco-friendly and efficient solutions, innovating with technology, and providing engaging experiences for tourists and the local community.
- As a hub of activity, the mill in Lüneburg offers a farm shop, café, and workshops on traditional craftsmanship, demonstrating a commitment to preserving the past while catering to various modern lifestyles, such as fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, travel, and general-news interests.
