Klostermühlenmuseum

About the museum

The Benedictine monastery of Thierhaupten had four mills and a water house built along the Friedberger Ach; more than 450 years ago a monastery mill was already working here. The present mill building was constructed in the mid-19th century and shut down in 1959. Since 1997 it has housed the Klostermühlenmuseum, which explains the technology and history of the mills. Together with the group of houses opposite, the grain mill once formed the so-called Untermühlgut.

The grain, oil, sawmill and paper mills are presented on three floors, with models, originals and reconstructions. Next to the grain mill is a replica of a rag-stamping mill of the paper mill, which once supplied paper to the monastery's writing room and printing house. There is also a working model of a sawmill, a 3D model of the monastery's drinking water lifting system, and the model of a ship mill.

Part of the museum is the printing workshop with historical printing presses in the former cowshed in "Klein-Bonn" across the way; the visitor center is also located there. Run by a non-profit GmbH, the museum offers guided tours, experience programs on bread baking and paper making, workshops and children's birthday parties.

Highlights

• Four mill types: grain, oil, sawmill and paper mill
• Rag-stamping mill and paper making at the vat
• Printing workshop with historical printing presses
• Bread baking at the museum bakehouse
• Location on the Friedberger Ach

Permanent exhibitions

• Mühlen und Wasserhaus des Klosters – On three floors, models, originals and reconstructions explain how the grain, oil, sawmill and paper mills and the water house worked.
• Druckwerkstatt in Klein-Bonn – Historical printing presses in the former cowshed of the house ensemble across from the mill; demonstrations as part of guided tours.

Founded

1997

Operated by

Klostermühlenmuseum Thierhaupten gemeinnützige GmbH

Admission & discounts

Admission without a tour. For small groups, flat rates apply to tours (e.g. overview tour for fewer than 16 people: €90 for adult groups or €75 for children's groups).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A parking space for people with limited mobility is available behind the mill.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Experience tours with bread baking, paper making or muesli making for children aged 6 and up, holiday program and workshops. Children's birthday parties on Fridays and Saturdays (approx. 3 hours, €150 for up to 12 people, €15 for each additional person) with a tour, an activity and time on the mill meadow. Children under 6 enter free.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at Franzengasse 21 on the Friedberger Ach.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 25 guests.

Visitor center Klein-Bonn as a seminar and workshop room (10 to 25 people, €30 per person for up to 5 hours, incl. equipment, Wi-Fi and drinks), as well as the mill meadow; optionally combined with a museum visit, bread baking or paper making.

Plan your visit