Vartorps kvarn
Water-driven stone mill from the 1860s at the outflow of the Mörrumsån into Övrasjön, in full operation with the county's largest waterwheel and an open mill once a month.
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About the museum
The waterfall at Vartorp has been used for water power for hundreds of years. The present three-storey stone mill was built around 1860 by the cavalry captain (ryttmästare) Aschan at Vartorps gård (Vartorp farm), and the mill was driven by the county's largest waterwheel until around 1930, when the wheel collapsed and was replaced by operation with an electric generator. Under the name Vartorps elektriska kvarn (Vartorp Electric Mill) it was supplemented with a roller mill and other modern equipment, and from 1930 to 1960 there was also a small power station with a turbine and generator.
After the Second World War the mill remained but was no longer used commercially and fell into disrepair. Växjö Municipality, which owns the building, had both the house and the machinery renovated, and since 2003 the mill has been back in operation with a waterwheel of the same dimensions as the old one: 4.65 metres wide and 5.3 metres in diameter. Vartorps kvarnförening (Vartorp Mill Association) has had the right of use of the mill since 1 January 2009 and looks after it and the surrounding area.
Today wheat, rye and spelt are milled with pure water power in a renovated roller mill, and the mill is an approved food producer. The association sells organic, locally produced flour and holds an open mill once a month, when visitors can watch the milling. Groups can book guided visits. Around the mill are the ruins of the old sawmill, the former barns and the dam embankment.
Highlights
- The county's largest waterwheel, 4.65 metres wide
- Stone mill in three floors from the 1860s
- Roller mill with feeding and sifting systems in operation
- Open mill once a month with flour sales
- Ruins of a sawmill and a dam embankment nearby
- Founded
- 2009
- Operated by
- Vartorps kvarnförening (ideell förening); byggnaden ägs av Växjö kommun
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The mill lies about 26 km north of Växjö, at the outflow of the Mörrumsån into Övrasjön.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Flour from the mill is sold at the open mill.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided visits for groups are booked via a form on the website, with the desired date. The association shows how flour and bran are produced from grain using only water power. |
