The 10 Most Beautiful Windmills in Germany are Great Destinations

They exude the charm of a bygone era and take us on a journey through time: Windmills are as alluring as they are mysterious. It is still unclear how long these massive structures have existed. Records suggest that the first windmills may have been built around 4,000 years ago, with Germany seeing their construction starting in the 14th century.

You can still visit these historical witnesses today, with some still actively grinding, and they make picturesque photo subjects anyway. We present ten special examples to you.

Like a picture book transplanted into the landscape, the De Vrouw Johanna windmill in Emden looks in Lower Saxony. Standing 24 meters tall, the windmill and miller's house date back to 1804 and were built of brick on Emden's wall. After extensive restoration in the 1990s, its mill wheel is turning again.

Particularly exciting: This architectural monument is fully functional. When the sails are turning, a miller works in the mill, whom you can watch at work. By contacting the Emden Windmill Society at t.hecht24@gmail.com, you can arrange to visit this historic building.

Another Johanna, this time in Hamburg, has experienced a rich past. Named after its former owner Johanna Sievers, the structure was nearly in ruins in the late '90s before extensive renovations turned it into an experience mill museum.

Grinding demonstrations and bread baking, a Low German table, a mill cafe, music, and theater are now held here. And Johanna is just the beginning of more windmill romance. It's the starting point of the Hamburg Mill Path, one of eight mill routes in Germany connecting wind, oil, grain, and water mills.

This water mill in Hüven received an upgrade in the mid-19th century with the addition of a windmill, allowing for energy generation even during dry times. The unique construction is one of a kind in the Emsland and one of the last combined wind-and-water mills in Europe.

The motto 'He who knocks shall have the door opened,' which adorns the mill's lintel, is still practiced today. The Hüvener Mühle can be visited, with tours offered that can be enhanced with coffee and cake on request. Those saying 'I do' can also have a civil marriage ceremony in this historic building.

The Barn Windmill in Saalow in Brandenburg is unique worldwide. In this type of mill, wind flows through the mill building instead of around it, which is why it's also described as a wooden wind turbine. Picturesquely, the structure is housed in a half-timbered building, and when the doors before the wind wheels are closed, the building looks like a simple barn.

This technical monument is open from April to the end of October on the first Sunday of each month from 2 to 5 p.m. Each year on German Mill Day, the mill is also in action.

The Steprather Mühle in Geldern-Walbeck is Germany's oldest fully operable windmill, built as early as 1450. Its hallmark is the massive, round brick mill body and rotatable cap. After many years of dormancy, this mill is again regularly grinding grain.

Visitors to the cultural monument can enjoy the results in the integrated mill cafe, where cakes and breads offered are made exclusively with the mill's freshly ground flour.

Two millers regularly work in the mill and grind grain following old traditions. The Renata Windmill in Schwensby is among the best-preserved windmills in Schleswig-Holstein. Its gallery Dutch-style mill is notable for its unusual construction for the region: built entirely of wood and clad externally with countless wooden shingles.

This rustic setting offers a venue for weddings, and for free visits, the mill is open during the summer vacation except Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Products from the mill can be ordered via the online shop, offering flakes and animal feed.

The Hädicke Mill stands out prominently in the flat landscape. Particularly in spring, when the canola fields bloom, the dark colossus is striking against the backdrop of yellow blossoms. Regular milling stopped in 1991. Since its construction, the mill has undergone several changes.

Originally built as a post mill on a single thick post, it was converted into a paltrock mill after storm damage, where the mill building stands on a roller track. Twice a year, on German Mill Day and Heritage Day, visitors can explore the mill more closely.

From wind speeds of 2 to 3, the wings of the Beelitzer Post Windmill in Beelitz begin to turn. First erected in 1792, the mill deteriorated visibly from the mid-20th century. A support association led an accurate restoration at a better thermal site, allowing the mill to recommence operation in 2007 at a nearby property.

Today, the technical monument in Brandenburg can host weddings and is used as an event venue. From April to October, tours are possible twice a month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional dates can be requested.

Integrated into a medieval town wall, the Zons Mill is remarkable even from the outside. It served not only as a windmill but also as the corner and watchtower of the site. The Dutch-style mill with rotational cap was operational until 1907.

Inside, you'll find curiosities: the first floor of the seven-story mill was once a dungeon, later used for sack storage.

From April to the end of October, the mill is open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 12 to 5 p.m. Special programs and tours are available on German Mill Day and Heritage Day.

This windmill on Norderney is the only windmill on the East Frisian Islands. Its name Selden Rüst translates to 'rare calm,' and indeed, that tranquility can be enjoyed around the mill. At peak times, it produced up to five tons of flour at wind speeds of 5 to 6, meeting the growing flour demand of the island from the second half of the 19th century until the early 1960s.

Lately, the interior of the corn windmill built in 1862 has been used as a tea room and restaurant, and the mill is a top destination on Norderney. After a period of inactivity, operations are set to resume in 2026.

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