Real Estate Market Usedom
Median purchase price 3.984 €/sq. ft. · 8.750 listings
Benz Cultural Mill
Historic Dutch windmill (built in 1818) with a largely preserved and intact interior.
Visitors can trace the process from grain to flour and other grain products using the old machinery. In the bakery, hikers and visitors will find the perfect place to take a break with coffee and cake. The Benz Cultural Mill, built starting in 1818, is the last surviving Dutch-style windmill on the island of Usedom. With its typical eight-post construction and three half-timbered floors, it impressively showcases the miller’s craft and traditional technology. The mill remained in operation until 1972, after which milling operations ceased with the death of the last miller, Werner Jahnke. Prior to that, around 1935, the mill had been converted to electric power, with the main shaft replaced by gear transmissions. The mill has become known beyond the country’s borders as a subject of the German-American artist Lyonel Feininger. In 1910, Feininger drew the Benzer Dutch windmill in charcoal; today, this is the only known depiction of the mill from the time it was powered by wind. In 1973, the mill was acquired by the renowned painter Otto Niemeyer-Holstein, who used it as a studio and exhibition space. Thanks to his efforts, the structure was preserved and secured as a technical monument. He initiated urgent preservation work, such as re-shingling the roof with beech shingles. After Niemeyer-Holstein’s death in 1984, the mill was transferred to the municipality of Benz. With the founding of the “Kulturmühle Benz e.V.” association, the mill was developed into a cultural gathering place. The mill underwent extensive renovation in the 2000s, during which the cap, the wind rose, and the exterior cladding were replaced. Today, the mill attracts tourists as well as history and technology enthusiasts alike; guided tours are available upon request. In addition to its impressive historical technology, the mill grounds also offer a place to relax, and visitors can enjoy regional delicacies in the bakery.
Benz Cultural Mill – the last Dutch-style windmill on the island of Usedom
The Benz Cultural Mill is one of the most remarkable technical monuments on the German Baltic Sea coast. Construction of the Dutch windmill began in 1818, and it is the only one of its kind still standing on the island of Usedom. With its characteristic eight-post structure and three half-timbered floors, it offers an authentic glimpse into the traditional milling craft of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
The mill’s history: from wind power to electric drive and artistic legacy
The mill in Benz remained in active operation until 1972—from around 1935 onward, it was powered by electricity rather than wind. It also became famous as a subject of the German-American artist Lyonel Feininger, who drew it in charcoal in 1910. This depiction is now considered the only known record of the mill from the time it was powered by wind. In the 1970s, the renowned painter Otto Niemeyer-Holstein acquired the mill and used it as a studio. It is thanks to his efforts that the building has been preserved as a technical monument.
Guided Tours, History of Technology, and the Bakery in Benz
Today, the “Kulturmühle Benz e.V.” association invites visitors to trace the journey from grain to flour using the largely intact historical machinery. Guided tours are available upon request. In the bakery on the mill grounds, hikers and guests will find a cozy place to rest with coffee and regional cakes—a welcome stop on a tour of Usedom.
Other attractions in Benz
St. Petri Church in Benz
● Benz
St. Petri Church in Benz was first mentioned in 1229. The medieval stone masonry structure has been visible since the renovation in 1991–92. Also of interest are the upper tower and the 18th- and 19th-century interior, featuring a painted coffered ceiling. For over 30 years, St. Petri Church in Benz has hosted the “Church Summer” series, featuring concerts, readings, and lectures.
Usedom Art Gallery
● Benz
The Usedom Art Cabinet is located in Benz on Usedom, next to the medieval church that the German-American Bauhaus artist Lyonel Feininger (1871–1956) often visited and depicted in his art until his death. The church in Benz was the artist’s favorite, second only to the church in Gelmeroda near Weimar. The Kunst-Kabinett is located next to the village church, which Lyonel Feininger (1871–1956) designed on numerous occasions. The Usedom Art Cabinet is the only place on the island where unique works by the famous Bauhaus artist are on permanent display... along with a 1897 Cleveland, Ohio, bicycle. Lyonel Feininger used a bicycle of this brand to explore Usedom and find his subjects. It is therefore no surprise that the Usedom Feininger Bicycle Route begins at the church. The gallery also presents rotating exhibitions of paintings and sculptures by contemporary artists.
Events in Benz
Accommodations auf Usedom
Vacation rentals, hotels, and more in the region
A-ROSA Strandidyll Heringsdorf
● Seebad Heringsdorf
In the middle of a beautiful park, the 4-star superior A-ROSA Strandidyll in Heringsdorf welcomes you with Mediterranean flair and warm hospitality. Separated only by the promenade from the 42 km long sandy beach on the island of Usedom, the hotel is just a few meters from the Heringsdorf pier.
Ackerbürgerei Lassan
● Lassan
The Ackerbürgerei is located in Lassan's old town, close to the harbor. Surrounded by an enclosed garden, there are 6 friendly rooms and 7 vacation apartments for singles, small and large families in two houses, a sauna and a tiny restaurant with tasty regional and vegetarian dishes. We are also happy to serve you breakfast there (buffet).
Aeronauticon
● Anklam
Everything that flies - from seeds to high-tech airplanes - is the subject of the Aeronauticon, a museum park for looking, playing and learning at Anklam airfield.