Haarmühle, Watermill in Alstätte, Germany
Haarmühle is a watermill building located directly on the German-Dutch border along the Alstätter Aa river. The stone structure houses the original milling equipment along with a restaurant serving regional cuisine, featuring both indoor dining areas and an outdoor terrace shaded by chestnut trees.
A mill has operated at this location since 1331, demonstrating the longstanding importance of water power in this region. The current stone structure was built in 1619 to replace an earlier building that had served the same purpose.
The mill serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and water-powered engineering. It represents how communities once depended on natural water sources for their daily work.
The site has a restaurant with covered indoor areas and an outdoor terrace where visitors can eat and drink. The riverside location with shade from trees makes it comfortable to spend time outdoors when weather permits, and the border position makes it accessible from both countries.
The river changes its name at the border: it is called Alstätter Aa on the German side and Buursebeek on the Dutch side. This shift in the water's official name is something many visitors overlook while enjoying the site.
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