Freilichtmuseum Scherzenmühle

About the museum

The Scherzenmühle lies in the Au meadows on the small river Warme Steinach in Weidenberg and was the market town's third grinding mill. Its present building fabric probably dates back to around 1600 at its core; it can be reliably documented from 1625, when it was still called "Neue Mühle" (New Mill). Its present name derives from the town quarter "in der Schürzen". Besides two grinding runs, a fulling mill, a tanning mill and an oil mill as well as, later, a water-powered sawmill belonged to the property at times.

In the 19th century, the house, originally built partly in half-timber, was gradually converted into a stone building with a stately sandstone facade; stable, coach house and barn were added. In 1914 the mill was converted into a small power plant and the water wheels were replaced by a turbine. Electricity was generated until 1944, farming was given up in 1967, and afterward the property gradually fell into disrepair.

The Weidenberg local chapter of the Fichtelgebirgsverein acquired the mill, which was in danger of collapse, in 1986 and renovated it with the aim of preserving one of the few surviving old German grain mills. It has been open to visitors since 1991. The furnished living quarters, the milling technology with an overshot water wheel and the agricultural equipment in the barn show the life of a miller's family; at demonstration milling events, grain is once again ground into whole-grain flour. Since 2002 the mill has also been a destination during Advent.

Highlights

• Working grinding run with overshot water wheel
• Demonstration milling from April to October
• Historically furnished parlor and living kitchen of a miller's family
• Barn with agricultural equipment
• Advent opening "Besinnlich in den Advent" (A Contemplative Advent)

Permanent exhibitions

• Mühle und Müllerhaus – Milling room with working mill technology, furnished living quarters of a miller's family and a barn with farm tools.

Founded

1991

Operated by

Fichtelgebirgsverein Weidenberg e. V.

Admission & discounts

Cash only.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

According to the tourism portal, suitable for children, families and school classes. Children up to age 6 have free admission; tours for school classes by arrangement.

Getting there & parking

The mill is located in the Weidenberg district In der Au on the Warme Steinach, directly next to the Fichtelgebirgsverein youth center (In der Au 2a).

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit