Kleinhettstedt: Milling and Mustard

Kleinhettstedt combines the Ilm Valley Cycle Route with a strong focus on milling and mustard. The listed complex of the art and mustard mill brings the miller’s craft to life; mustard is also the focus in the shops and at tastings. There is something for everyone, from the cycle route to the history and products of the mill.

Cycle Route and Mill Village

The Ilm Valley Cycle Route runs directly through Kleinhettstedt. Those making the cycle route the focus of their trip have a direct connection to the village. The mill offers a different emphasis: its architecture, the miller’s craft and mustard.

Milling Craft and History

The listed mill complex of the Kleinhettstedt art and mustard mill dates from the 16th century and offers insights into different periods of the miller’s craft. The half-timbered building served as a grain mill until 1990. Its origins and use provide two distinct points of reference: the historic building is as much in focus as the specific history of grain milling. Those interested in traditional crafts will find here, alongside mustard, a topic that also explores the mill’s own development.

Taste Mustard and Discover Local Products

At the “mill shop,” you can sample and buy Kleinhettstedt mustard products. The mill complex is also home to the Senfmühlentenne farm shop, which sells mustard, honey, wine, tea and sausage. Visitors can learn about the range of products over coffee and homemade cake. Mustard can also be sampled at the farm shop or at the adjoining “Zum Mühlenwirt” restaurant. At the art and mustard mill, more than 20 different varieties of mustard are made from mustard seeds using traditional methods. As products and availability can change, check the latest information before your visit if a particular variety or place to eat is important to you.

Stadtilm: Culture and Nature in the Wider Destination

The wider destination of Stadtilm offers further cultural and nature attractions. Stadtilm is located in the Ilm Valley, on the eastern foothills of the Thuringian Forest. The tower vault of the Church of St. Mary contains remnants of late Romanesque wall paintings, which are designated as a monument of national importance. This offers a different cultural focus from the architectural and craft history of the mill in Kleinhettstedt.

Stadtilm’s market square has more to discover, too: at approximately 10,170 m², it is considered the largest market square in Thuringia. The square is home to the Methfessel Monument, an obelisk dedicated to the composer Albert Methfessel, who was born in Stadtilm. The Eckoldt Fountain, which was reinstalled in 2008, is in the southern half of the market square. Another nature attraction is the approximately 1 km-long nature trail on Buchberg. It passes information boards about local animal species and trees, as well as a climbing net, a long-jump pit and a sound installation.

Choose Accommodation to Match Your Travel Interests

The first thing to consider is which experiences you would like to include: Kleinhettstedt focuses on milling and mustard, while Stadtilm offers further cultural and nature attractions, including wall paintings, a market square and a nature trail.

View the wider travel overview: Ilm Valley.