Retz Windmill
Niederösterreich
The Retz Windmill, located on a hill between Retz and the Manhartsberg in Lower Austria, is one of only two operational windmills remaining in Austria. Built in 1853 by Johannes Tobias Bergmann, it replaced an earlier wooden mill from 1772. The conical stone tower stands 13 meters tall including the roof and features a 25-meter wingspan. After ceasing operation in 1924, the windmill was protected as a historic monument in 1928 and has since been restored to full working order. It serves as a cultural and technical monument, allowing visitors to experience traditional milling processes and admire its historic architecture. The mill is surrounded by notable landmarks such as the Kalvarienberg and the Retz Soldiers' Cemetery. Today, it hosts guided tours and an annual mill festival on May 1st, and offers interactive experiences like bread baking workshops. The windmill's restoration involved Dutch millwrights, and its wings have been replaced multiple times to maintain historical accuracy. It remains a symbol of Retz's heritage and a unique attraction blending history, technology, and culture.
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Astuce: Visit the Retz Windmill from April to October, with guided tours available hourly. No advance booking is needed for individual visitors. Consider attending the annual mill festival on May 1st or joining a bread baking workshop, which requires prior registration. The Niederösterreich-CARD grants free entry, but tickets with the card must be purchased on-site. Summer months offer daily opening hours, while spring and autumn have limited schedules. Plan to arrive on time for the guided tours, which run until 5 PM.
Faits intéressants
- •Retz Windmill is one of only two operational windmills remaining in Austria, the other being in Podersdorf at Lake Neusiedl.
- •The windmill has a wingspan of 25 meters and the tower is 13 meters high including the roof.
- •It was struck by lightning several times, causing damage but no fires, until a lightning rod was installed in 1999.
- •In 2001, the windmill was artistically wrapped in red fabric by the packaging artist Christo during a local event.
- •The windmill hosts an annual festival every May 1st celebrating its operation and heritage.
Histoire
The original wooden post mill was built in 1772 and operated until around 1850 before being dismantled.
The current stone windmill was constructed starting in 1853 by master mason Karl Cerny, using stones quarried nearby.
It replaced the wooden mill and was operational until 1924.
The mill was struck by lightning multiple times, notably in 1915 and 1927, and was fitted with a lightning rod only in 1999.
It was declared a protected monument in 1928.
After decades of disuse, restoration efforts beginning in the early 2000s, including the replacement of its wings by Dutch specialists, allowed the mill to resume operation in 2010.
Since then, it has functioned as a technical and cultural monument and tourist attraction.
Guide du lieu
Stone Windmill Tower1853
The main conical stone tower built in 1853, standing 13 meters tall, houses the milling machinery and features a 25-meter wingspan. It represents traditional 19th-century mill construction using locally quarried stone.
Windmill WingsOriginal 1853; latest replacement 2010
The large wooden wings span 25 meters and are designed to operate optimally at wind speeds of 4 to 5 Beaufort, rotating 12 to 15 times per minute. They have been replaced several times to preserve historical authenticity, most recently in 2010 by Dutch millwrights.
Windmill Interior and Milling Machinery19th century machinery with modern restoration
Inside the four-story tower, visitors can explore the original milling mechanisms, which have been restored to full working order, demonstrating traditional grain grinding techniques.
Windmill Heuriger (Tavern)1853
Adjacent to the windmill is a historic residential building constructed simultaneously with the mill, now serving as a 'Windmühlheuriger' where visitors can enjoy local wines and refreshments.
Contact
Téléphone: 02942 2700