Museum Heiligen Mühle

About

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

Location

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.