Plaster mill Schwangau

Welcome to Schwangau, a charming village located in the Ostallgäu region of Germany. Today, we will be exploring the historic Gipsmühle, a water-powered mill that was once used to crush gypsum and anhydrite from the Raibler Schichten. The Gipsmühle is situated below the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, which was built by King Ludwig II in the 19th century. The mill was used to process the gypsum and anhydrite that were extracted from the narrow band of rock that lies in front of the Wettersteinkalk cliffs. These minerals were then transported downstream on rafts along the Lech River and sold at a low cost. The gypsum was primarily used as a decorative material for Baroque and Rococo buildings, including many castles, churches, and monasteries that were constructed in the region during the 17th and 18th centuries. In addition to the Gipsmühle, a sawmill was also established in the mid-19th century. This sawmill was partially renovated in 1889 and expanded in 1901/02, and it too is now protected under historical preservation laws. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed part of the mill in 1988. However, due to its location along popular hiking trails, plans have been made to rebuild the ruins. In fact, a new building was announced in 2011. Despite the damage caused by the fire, the water supply from the Pöllatschlucht gorge remains intact and can still be seen today. Visitors can explore the area around the Gipsmühle and learn about the history of gypsum mining and processing in the region. Schwangau is also known for its stunning royal castles, including Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, both of which are open to the public for tours. The village is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including the nearby Alps and the picturesque Forggensee lake. We hope you enjoy your visit to Schwangau and the Gipsmühle. Don't forget to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and learn about the rich history of this charming village.

Location: Bavaria

Location: Schwangau

Source: Wikimedia