Discover Bensdorf: Mills, Estates and Landscapes

The Bensdorf Mill combines accommodation with a tangible chapter of local history: two restored holiday apartments are located in the attic of the residential building, which was constructed in 1912. Availability may change, so check for your travel dates. Also discover the agricultural heritage of Gut Herrenhölzer and the natural and cultural history of the Old Canal in Woltersdorf. This is a way to get to know Bensdorf through its mill history, regional produce and landscapes.

A mill village with an industrial history

The historic 20-tonne mill was the largest mill in the former Jerichow-II district. The site’s history also includes a grain silo built in 1935, with a capacity of 1,000 tonnes. It measures 12 by 12 metres and is 32 metres high. Alongside the mill’s history, these dimensions give the structure a presence of its own.

An older windmill stood on Mühlenberg, which is now used as a cemetery. The hill is the highest point in the area. The later production history is also part of the Bensdorf Mill’s story: from 1991, it bought, cleaned and milled organic grain. If you are interested in current milling operations, it is best to ask in advance. The range includes rye and wheat baking grist, wholemeal flour and different types of rye flour. The product range may change; ask about the current selection if you are interested.

The outdoor café serves freshly prepared homemade dishes made with regional produce. Café hours and the menu may change, so it is worth checking both before planning a visit.

Gut Herrenhölzer and regional produce

Gut Herrenhölzer was first mentioned in 1782 as part of an estate. Today, the farm grows asparagus, strawberries and blueberries. Green and white asparagus grow on 160 square metres, while blueberries cover approximately five hectares. The areas may change. Which produce is currently in season depends on the harvest and time of year. The loamy sandy soils around Bensdorf’s districts are considered favourable for asparagus cultivation.

The farm shop sells regional products such as fruit spreads, pasta, homemade sausage or ham, and regional waffles. The selection may change, especially for seasonal goods. The estate brings together the cultivation and processing of regional produce: the named fruits and vegetables grow in the fields, while the shop offers a selection of processed products.

The Old Canal and the landscape

The Old Canal near Woltersdorf was built as a shipping route in the mid-18th century. Its history as a transport route meets a landscape of forests and floodplains: along the canal, these habitats support diverse animal and plant life. The Old Canal is also a destination for anglers and nature lovers. History and nature are both in focus here, while remaining distinct subjects.

Parts of the Bensdorf district also lie within the Brandenburger Wald- und Seengebiet landscape conservation area. The conservation area’s aims include recreation that is compatible with nature, especially around water and woodland. This connects the Bensdorf landscape with a larger protected area and gives the natural and cultural landscape its own focus alongside the mill and estate.

Culture in the wider Potsdam-Mittelmark destination

The wider Potsdam-Mittelmark destination has other distinct cultural attractions. Above Bad Belzig stands Eisenhardt Castle, a cultural landmark where visitors can experience the Middle Ages at first hand. In the Middle Ages, Ziesar Castle was an important episcopal residence; its well-preserved architecture offers an insight into the religious and political history of Potsdam-Mittelmark. Wiesenburg Palace showcases Renaissance architecture and is surrounded by a landscape park.

Reckahn Palace is dedicated to the life and work of the Prussian reformer Friedrich Eberhard von Rochow. The permanent exhibition “Vernunft fürs Volk” has been on display there since 2001. These regional examples complement Bensdorf’s mill and estate history with other cultural and historical themes in the wider Potsdam-Mittelmark destination.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Seddiner See, Groß Briesen, Geltow, Borkheide, Babelsberg, Linthe, Caputh, Beetzsee.

For the overview of the wider destination: Potsdam-Mittelmark.