The Schwedenmühle Anklam, a historic Dutch windmill built in 1726, has been restored by the Schwedenmühle Anklam e.V. association since 2006. Discover a unique meeting place with a rich history.
The Schwedenmühle Anklam, built in 1726, is one of the oldest Dutch windmills in the region and has a long and eventful history. It is located on the Peenedamm, which was under Swedish rule until 1815, while Anklam was under Prussian rule. Originally leased by miller Christian Pape, the mill soon became a landmark of the region and even housed a courtroom, which was used during the period of Swedish rule.
In 1872, Hermann Wessel modernized the mill and introduced innovative technologies. In 1880, a wind wheel was installed that automatically turned the mill head into the wind, which made work much easier. Later, blades with blinds were added to better control the wind. However, the windmill was finally shut down in 1922 and by 1958 the sails and the mill hood had disappeared due to dilapidation. The mill was inhabited by the family of the last miller until 2003.
After years of decay, the Schwedenmühle Anklam e.V. association was founded in 2006 to save the historic mill. With the support of donations and monument preservation funds, the emergency securing of the mill began. In 2008, the first securing work was carried out and the dry rot infestation was removed. Thanks to dedicated helpers, such as the Vetter family, who donated two lime trees, and the Hagemann company, who planted them, the historic appearance of the mill was partially restored. In 2015, donations and funding made it possible to renovate the mill tower.
Today, the association strives to develop the mill into a meeting place for locals and visitors. The Schwedenmühle Anklam is an impressive testimony to the mill's history and a place of cultural exchange.
