Mills on Bornholm: A guide to the island’s historic mills

Water mills on Bornholm

Bornholm has three water mills that are part of the island’s industrial history. Water mills have played a key role in the local community over the years by providing energy for a variety purposes.

Overview of Bornholm’s water mills

Slusegårds water mill: Dates back to the 1800s and is located close to the Øle river. The mill pond has been dammed and it has its own trout house

Agårds water mill: Located by the Øle river. The water mill is typical of the smaller water mills that were once located in large numbers along the streams of southern Bornholm.

Vang water mill: A beautifully located water mill by Ringe creek in Vang. The mill was built in the early 1800s.

Post mills on Bornholm

Post mills are some of the oldest types of windmills around, and Bornholm is currently home to three such historic structures. Post mills are known for their minimalist design and ability to turn into the wind.

Overview of Bornholm’s post mills

Bechs post mills: This well-preserved mill is located on Møllebakken in Svaneke and was in operation until 1928.

Egeby post mills: Of the three preserved post mills, Egeby is the most authentic representation of the post mills on Bornholm.

Tejn post mills (Melstedgårds mill): This mill has moved around a fair bit, but is now located at Melstedgård, where it is still in operation and is used to grind grain for the animals of Melstedgård.

The story behind the post mills

Post mills are thought to have been introduced in the 16th century and had their heyday until the Dutch windmills took over in the late 1700s. Around the 1800s, there were still approximately 75 post mills on Bornholm.

Post mills were important to the island’s farming community. They were easy to maintain and efficient at utilising wind power.

The 3 post mills on Bornholm: Egeby, Bechs and Tejn (Melsted)

Dutch mills on Bornholm

The Dutch mills on Bornholm are more advanced than the post mills and represent an important development in mill technology. The island boasts a total of eleven Dutch mills, each with its own unique history.

Overview of Dutch mills on Bornholm

Bakkemøllen (Bakkemill): Nexø is home to the only preserved stone mill on Bornholm with a drive-through and tail vane.
Gudhjem mill: Denmark’s largest windmill sits proudly atop Gudhjem, and is still in excellent condition.
Kuremøllen (Kuremill): A privately owned mill in Svaneke dating from 1861.
Kirkemøllen (Church mill): This is Bornholm’s oldest and best preserved stone mill. It is built from local sandstone and is located right by Peders Church.
Myreagre mill: Myreagre is located on the main road between Aakirkeby and Nexø. The mill is octagonal on the outside and circular on the inside.
Røbro mill: This is the youngest of the preserved wooden mills and is located on Brommevej near Gudhjem. The mill is well-built and has great landscape value.
Saxobro mill: Bornholm’s best preserved mill complex, where the mill, bakery and housing are still all intact. The property is listed, and the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces has granted funding for its renovation.
Stenby mill: Bornholm’s oldest Dutch mill dating from 1857 is located near Gudhjem The mill is small and charming, but is currently without its sails.
Svanemøllen (Svane mill): Built by the same developer as Kure mill, but a larger and more ambitious building project. Svane mill was listed in 1960.
Valsemøllen (Valse mill): The mill in Aakirkeby has been significantly modernised and is a well-operated mill with an extensive production of Bornholm flour.
Årsdale mill: Bornholm’s flagship mill. This old Dutch mill is a source of great pride. It is the only mill in the country that has been in continuous operation since it was built in 1877, and it is still powered by wind.

The story behind the island’s Dutch mills

Dutch mills were introduced to Bornholm in the 18th century and brought greater efficiency and capacity to the milling industry. They were used to grind grain and other agricultural products.

Årsdale Mølle

The role of mills in the community

The mills have been essential to Bornholm’s farming and economy, providing the island’s residents with essential resources while also serving as a central hub for the local community.

Bornholm’s mills are an example of innovation in mill technology. From the simple post mills to the advanced Dutch mills, they showcase the island’s ability to adapt and develop new technologies.

Bornholm’s mills represent an early form of sustainable energy use, demonstrating how the forces of nature can be harnessed effectively and in an environmentally friendly way.