German Mill Day Großefehn (5-Mill Land)

5-Mill Land — A Region Steeped in History

The municipality of Großefehn owes its name to the five historic fen colonies that were established on drained high moorland in the 17th and 18th centuries. With settlement came the windmills — economic lifelines of the fen settlements, grinding grain, pressing oil, and sawing wood. Today, five historic mills are still preserved in Großefehn: in Ostgroßefehn, Bagband, Spetzerfehn, Timmel, and Wrisse. German Mill Day makes this mill landscape accessible to visitors from all over Germany once a year.

Whit Monday — Nationwide Day of Action

German Mill Day has been held annually on Whit Monday since 1994. Around 1,000 wind, water, and horse-powered mills open their doors nationwide. In Großefehn, several mills will participate with their own programs in 2026. The mill in Ostgroßefehn will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., as will the Bagband mill. The mill in Spetzerfehn will be accessible from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Millers and mill enthusiasts will give tours of the structures, explain their functionality, and showcase the old craft in action.

Experience the Millers' Craft Up Close

With the wind power in motion, the Großefehn mills grind rye, wheat, or other grains. Visitors can buy flour directly on-site, browse the shops in the volunteer-run mills, and fortify themselves with snacks offered by the mill associations — cake, coffee, East Frisian tea, and occasionally hearty specialties are standard. For children, craft activities or short explanatory tours are often offered.

A Day Dedicated to Volunteer Mill Preservation

Mill Day is not just a day for visiting, but also a commitment to the volunteer preservation of this unique technical and cultural heritage. With the proceeds from sales and donations, the mill associations finance the maintenance of the historic structures and ensure that future generations can also experience the East Frisian mill landscape.