Paderborn
Mill magic in a historic setting
The abundance of water in the Pader was one of the main reasons why Paderborn developed a lively economy in pre-industrial times. There were once 20 water wheels at the various sources of the Pader. They drove grain, oil, fulling, grinding and saw mills. Here you can get an idea of what the town used to look like: After the Second World War, five grain mills were still in operation; today, one is still working in the old district.
The old mill building with the striking, undershot water wheel is still standing today. Today, the BIOHAUS Foundation uses the building. The water wheel is used to generate green electricity. In the building itself, apartments for people with severely restricted access to living space and/or care needs as well as visitor apartments have been set up. The mill houses a mill museum (visits by appointment only) and the mill café, which is well worth a visit.
