Mills festival 2024

Nearly everyone knows the famous children’s song: “The mill is clattering by the rushing stream – Clippity Clappity!” – This year, the mills are clattering again in Ebenau! On Saturday, August 15, 2026, the “Waschlmühle” in Ebenau will host the lively mill festival, celebrating its 11th edition.

The official start is at 9 a.m. with the opening shooting of the Prangerschützen Ebenau. After that, a diverse program awaits visitors. Among other things, there will be a brunch with the traditional costume band Ebenau, a performance by the costume club, small-bore rifle shooting with a competition, and milling demonstrations at the “Waschlmühle.” There’s also a colorful children’s program planned for the little guests – a bouncy castle and target spraying at the festival tent, decorating gingerbread, crafting waterwheels, and a children's tour of the fairy tale path…

Furthermore, carriage rides to the “Natural Monument Plötz” and to the “Pertillmühle” will take place. The “Natural Monument Plötz,” which can also be wonderfully hiked, and the mills around Ebenau will be open for visits. Various music groups will perform at the mills. The “Museum im Fürstenstöckl” will also be open for tours. The local hosts and clubs will provide culinary delights for the guests.

The festival program in detail:
9 a.m. Festive mass at the Waschlmühle and opening shooting of the Ebenau Prangerschützen
Afterwards, brunch with the music band Ebenau
11 & 3 p.m. Tour of the Museum im Fürstenstöckl, meeting point at the Waschlmühle
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafting waterwheels at the Waschlmühle
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Milling demonstrations at the Waschlmühle
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open singing with the “Rund ums Jahr” choir at the Pertillmühle
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Decorating gingerbread millwheels at the Padinger confectionery at the municipal office
1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Children's tour of the fairy tale path on the theme of hunting, meeting point at the Waschlmühle
1 & 3 p.m. Performance of the costume club Ebenau at the Plötz (parking lot)
2 p.m. Tour through the historic tunnel, meeting point at the Waschlmühle
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Small-bore rifle shooting with a competition at the firehouse
3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Stories for children at the Waschlmühle

Additionally: Bouncy castle at the festival tent & horse-drawn carriage to the Natural Monument Plötz & to the Pertillmühle

For Ebenau, mills have always been of great importance, as grain cultivation has played a significant role in the agricultural self-sufficient economy of the region. The first evidence of a mill dates back to 1336. Since the early 1960s, grain cultivation has practically disappeared due to the specialization in grassland, milk, and cattle farming. Nonetheless, the mills have been well preserved or restored over time and can today be visited on selected occasions, such as the mill festival on August 15. There are also demonstration showings where the mills can be put into operation and admired, which require prior registration. The mill circular hiking trail also invites exploration, starting at the Waschlmühle and leading you to the Natural Monument Plötz.

Admission to the mill festival in Ebenau is free, alternative date in case of bad weather: Sunday, August 16, 2026.