Eichener Mühle

The mill is considered to be one of the earliest commercial enterprises in the Olpe district. It used to be operated with three water wheels. Two tributaries, the Rose and the Brachtpe, feed the mill pond. This water supply from several sources is rare. A sawmill was added to the grist mill in 1840. A bread bakery was added in 1910 and a little later a bone crusher, which was used to produce fertilizer for agriculture from animal bones.

Today, both mill ditches still carry their water to the large mill pond. The bridge over the Rose did not exist in earlier centuries. Farmers used a ford to get to the mill with their carts. Later, a sawmill was added to the grain mill. This combination was a real rarity in the Olpe district. However, when both were no longer in use - the mill was abandoned in 1964 - the mill began to fall into disrepair.

It is therefore all the more pleasing that today, after a complete renovation, a beautiful building once again stands on the foundations of the old mill and the granary, water wheel and saw frame have been preserved. The mill waters, a grinding gear, a mighty gang saw, a log saw and a circular saw, which were operated by an overshot water wheel via transmission belts, have been preserved. The building and technology are listed buildings.

Opening times
The mill is open on Open Monument Day (2nd Sunday in September) and on German Mill Day (Whit Monday). Visits also by appointment.

Contact
Tel.: 0 27 61 / 83 58 31 (Dr. Ing. Rolf Heinen), e-mail: drheinen@gmx.de

Tip
The Eichener Mühle is located directly on the Bergische Panorama Radwege between the Rhineland and Sauerland, which runs along the former railroad line. It is a good 300m away from the B 55, B 54, and it only takes about 1 km from the Olpe exit of the A 45 towards Drolshagen / Bergneustadt.

Text: Dr. Ing. Rolf Heinen and Drolshagen Marketing e. V.