German Mill Day Peldemühle Wittmund

Germany's Oldest Gallery Dutch Mill

The Peldemühle Wittmund holds a very special place in the German milling landscape: Built in 1741, it is considered the oldest preserved gallery Dutch mill in Germany today. A gallery Dutch mill is a special type of windmill where a surrounding gallery allows for operating the sails even on taller structures – a technical detail that can still be admired here today. The Peldemühle Wittmund support association is responsible for the care, preservation, and education about this industrial monument.

German Mill Day as a Platform

German Mill Day takes place annually on Whit Monday and is the nationwide event for Germany's historic mills. Hundreds of wind, water, and post mills open their doors on this day, offering insights into their technology and history, and inviting visitors to festive programs. The Peldemühle Wittmund has been actively participating for years and is one of the central meeting points in East Frisia.

Ecumenical Service, Flea Market, Live Baking

The Wittmund program offers a broad mix: An ecumenical service in the shadow of the mill opens the day at 10:30 AM, combining East Frisian popular piety with mill culture. Afterwards, vendors set up their flea market around the mill, the bakers demonstrate traditional live baking with fresh flour from the mill itself, and guided tours explain the mechanics and history of the structure.

Living Industrial Monument

The Peldemühle is not a museum piece frozen in time, but a living monument: The support association continuously works on preservation and restoration, organizes tours, events, and educational programs. Mill Day is its most important annual showcase – and a must-attend event for families from Wittmund and the surrounding area in the Whit Monday program.