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Die Neumann-Mill in Kirnitzsch-Valley in Saxonia
(S„chsische Schweiz)
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This is the entry of what is called "Der Grosse Zschand" one of many impressive rocks in Saxonia's Elbsandsteingebirge. Just a few steps to the right you will find a wooden cabin with a sign saying "Technisches Denkmal" (Technical Monument). For some 600 years - until 1955 - here a sawmill has been run.
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Something utterly new happened in 1871. Miller Neumann had put into his mill a Voelter wood grinding machine.
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In 1843 Friedrich Gottlob Keller had invented the process of grinding wood, and in 1844 it was patented in Saxonia.
However, the remarkable point is, that the apparatus is still in place in the state it was in the 1870ies.
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Grinding logs of wood promised to become a good business in those days. From 1875 on quite a few mills in Kirnitzsch-Valley established a wood grinder. There was a growing demand in paper and nearby the newly built railway in Sebnitz-Valley was a welcome basis for wood fibre producing industry.
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In 1953 already it was suggested to protect tho old machine and equipment. The village and the trust "Schauanlage Neumann-Mhle e. V." have enthusiastically kept and refurbished the mill. In 2000 the wheel started turning again.
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Thus at least the saw can be run at times. The wood grinder has been working until 1945. In the following years the water power only reached some 15 to 18 PS (Horsepower), the machine was old and cou”d not meet the costs anymore.
The mill is open to visitors and there are publications and a Website.
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Neumann mill is part of the village of Ottendorf near Bad Schandau. The historic Kirnitz-Valley-Tram takes visitors through the valley as far as Lichtenhainer Waterfall. From here it is just a few minutes' walk to the mill.
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Lichtenhainer Waterfall in Kirnitzsch-Valley
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Cars can be parked next to the old mill - nevertheless taking the old tram is a wonderful journey through the valley. There is a little restaurant just at the side of the road near Neumann Mill, where you can enjoy Saxonian cooking and stay for the night (find the link in the foto).
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