The Museum Heiligen Mühle in Erfurt is a rare surviving pearl barley mill, preserving unique milling technology from around 1860. Located in the district of Ilversgehofen, it is the only known Graupenmühle in Germany with three functioning undershot waterwheels, making it a landmark of industrial heritage. The mill played a central role in the development of the “Erfurter Gang,” a process for producing pearl barley that was once vital to the city’s economy. Thanks to the dedication of the Naue family, the machinery and milling techniques have been carefully restored, earning the site both the Thuringian Monument Protection Prize and the City of Erfurt’s Volunteer Award. Today, visitors can explore exhibitions on milling history, admire the preserved water-driven mechanisms, and experience cultural events in a historic setting. The Heiligen Mühle stands as a living monument to craftsmanship, innovation, and community spirit, offering a glimpse into Erfurt’s rich industrial past.
Erfurt Germany
Museum Heiligen Mühle is located on Mittelhäuser Straße in the northern Erfurt district of Ilversgehofen, picturesquely set directly on the banks of the Schmale Gera river. From here, it is just a short tram or car ride north of Erfurt’s historic city centre, with easy access from the Mittelhäuser Straße tram stop and nearby main roads linking to the ring road and A71 motorway. The surrounding area is a mix of traditional industrial and residential buildings, small workshops and local shops, with green riverbank paths inviting for a walk along the water. Within a few minutes’ drive you reach Erfurt’s Old Town with Domplatz, Krämerbrücke, the citadel Petersberg, museums, theatres, cafés and restaurants, making the museum an appealing cultural stop on a wider city visit.
Museum
Memorial and Educational Site Andreasstraße
Museum
Stadtmuseum „Haus zum Stockfisch
Museum
DDR-Ausstellung DEUDERA
Museum
Deutsches Gartenbaumuseum
Museum
Druckereimuseum & Schaudepot im Benary-Speicher
Museum
Erinnerungsort Topf & Söhne
Museum
Luftschutzkeller
Museum
Margaretha-Reichardt-Haus
Museum
Mittelalterliche Mikwe
Museum
Museum Brückenhaus
Museum
Museum für Thüringer Volkskunde
Museum
Museum Neue Mühle
Museum
Naturkundemuseum
Museum
Schloss und Park Molsdorf
Museum
Barfüßerkirche
Historical Landmark
Carillon im Bartholomäusturm
Museum
Theater Erfurt
Theatre
KulturQuartier Schauspielhaus
Theatre
Theater Waidspeicher
Theatre
Theater Die Schotte
Theatre
Theater im Palais
Theatre
Blaue Bühne
Theatre
Alte Oper Erfurt
Theatre
Kunsthalle Erfurt
Gallery
Galerie Waidspeicher
Gallery
Galerie Loeser
Gallery
Galerie Rothamel
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Galerie des Verbandes Bildender Künstler Thüringen
Gallery
Galerie niza
Gallery
Kunsthaus
Gallery
Zitadelle Petersberg
Fortress
Zitadelle Cyriaksburg
Fortress
Schlossmuseum Molsdorf
Museum
Forsthaus Willroda
Tourist attractions
Thuringian Zoo Park
Zoo
Erfurt Cathedral
Cathedral
St Severus’ Church
Church
Krämerbrücke
Bridge
Bartholomew Tower
Tower
Augustinian Monastery
Monastery
Schottenkirche
Church
Neuwerkskirche
Church
Medieval Mikveh
Historical Landmark
Egapark Erfurt
Park
Dendrologischer Garten
Garden
Nordpark Erfurt
Park
Kilianipark
Park
Stadtpark
Park
Venedig
Park
Südpark Erfurt
Park
Egapark Observation Tower
Observation deck
St. Aegidien Church
Church
Bismarck Tower
Historical Landmark