Selkemühle, Historical watermill in Ballenstedt, Germany.
The Selkemühle is a historical watermill in Ballenstedt featuring traditional wooden architecture and large water wheels for grain processing. The building displays the typical design of mills in the region with its characteristic mechanical drive systems.
The mill emerged in medieval times as an important production site for the local population and played a central role in Ballenstedt's economic development. Over the centuries it was rebuilt and upgraded multiple times to keep pace with the changing needs of the era.
The mill shows how important water-powered craftsmanship was to people in the region and how they organized their daily lives. The preserved machines and structures tell the story of work that took place here across generations.
The mill sits along the Selke river and is easily accessible from outside, with the surroundings inviting walks along the waterway. Visitors should know that the building stands as a protected monument under special conditions and access may be limited.
The mill features original water wheels and gears that still show the technical elegance of medieval mechanics today. These original components offer a rare glimpse into how water power was efficiently converted into practical working force.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.