Water Mill in Brzeźnica

The water mill in Brzeźnica is a brick mill from the 18th century, rebuilt in the 1920s, today restored and in working order. It stands in the village of Brzeźnica on ulica Leśna in Racibórz County, and is powered by water from a nearby stream. The place is also linked with the memory of the poet Joseph von Eichendorff.

What is the history of the mill?

The first mill on this site, of timber and stone, dated from the 18th century. In the 1920s it was demolished and a brick building was put up. It was used until 1946, when the mill was closed as a result of nationalisation. Later the mill race and two ponds that carried off excess water were filled in, and the mill itself was silted up with clay a dozen or so times. In 1994 the building was taken over by a company from Bavaria, which handed it to the Eichendorff Upper Silesian Centre of Culture and Meetings in Łubowice.

How was the mill restored?

The Centre restored the building with the help of Gerhard Simon of Rinteln, a German master miller. The foundations were deepened, the roof was secured and the mill wheel was restored together with the race. The ceremonial start-up took place on 27 August 2006.

What links the mill with Eichendorff?

Joseph von Eichendorff, born and raised in nearby Łubowice, often visited the mill and liked to rest and write here. According to tradition it is linked with his unhappy love for the miller's daughter, from which came the poem "Das zerbrochene Ringlein", also known as "In einem kühlen Grunde" (in Polish "W chłodnej dolinie"). In 1936-1945 the village bore the name Eichendorffmühl.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Leśna, Brzeźnica, Rudnik municipality.
• The mill belongs to the Eichendorff Upper Silesian Centre of Culture and Meetings in Łubowice; the rules for visiting the interior must be arranged with the Centre.
• In the area: the Łężczok Nature Reserve (about 5 km) and Racibórz Castle (about 6 km).