Die Strutz-Mühle

Name: Die Strutz-Mühle
Address: Unterfresen 26c, Wies, Südsteiermark, 8551, AT
Telephone: (0043) 3468 304

Wies

It is a unique mill that rattles on the rushing Schwarzbach: The Strutz mill in the heart of south-western Styria. From the "Mühlen-Peter", partly original parts built and restored by us, the romantic foam mill invites you on a journey in which the (mill) wheel of time is turned back particularly lovingly.

Austria's most beautiful place 2020

The natural jewel in the valley of the white Sulm enchants with beautiful hiking and theme trails as well as a fascinating water world - and in the middle of it all a place "as it used to be". Here in Wielfresen near Wies, on the western foothills of the Koraple, lies the Strutz Mill. "It is my life's work," its founder Peter Fürbass tells us. For seven years, the senior innkeeper and trained carpenter - warmly called "Mühlen-Peter" by many - built the two-speed foam mill himself. With a lot of dedication and passion - and with great attention to detail. In thousands of hours of work, he has removed original mill parts and old buildings, especially in the Koralm region, restored them extensively and used them to build "his" mill on the banks of the Schwarzbach. "24 mills used to stand in the area of the White Sulm. Today, there is only the Strutz mill," he explains further. He said he built it in memory of his father. "My family also had a mill. As a child, it was my favorite activity to be there."

The Strutz Mill is a precious gem with more than 150 years of history. Since 2006, the cultural asset has also been open daily to visitors. As the "miller," Peter Fürbass personally guides his guests through his life's work and shows how grain was ground into flour until about 60 years ago. It is a charming journey back in time to the former miller's craft - at every corner and end of the functioning mill you can feel the loving work of the master of the house. The three-meter-high mill wheel, a more than hundred-year-old mini grain winch, a traditional grindstone and the cozy bakery accompany us from the grain to the loaf of bread. Antique tools adorn the walls. The flour boxes, the historical furniture - almost everything is made of wood and reminds us of times long gone. The heart of the mill is the original mill gearbox from 1854, as "Mühlen-Peter" proudly tells us. And the cozy "Müller-Stüberl" on the second floor also gives us a glimpse of life in those days. Above the bed hangs a bell, which is connected to the mill wheel by a rope: If it was time again to heap up the grain, the miller was woken up by a ringing.

But it is not only this excursion into the past and the gracious hospitality of Peter Fürbass that make this visit so special. The tranquility and seclusion of the mill, the gentle babbling of the Schwarzbach stream, and the magnificent landscape of the valley invite young and old to recharge their batteries and linger. Also for the physical well-being here with a tasty "mill snack" is well provided. If you prefer fish, you can even fish your own meal at the mill and prepare it yourself. The daily fishing permits for the surrounding waters with brook trout, brown trout and much more can be purchased at the Alpengasthof Strutz.
So it is also the power of water that constantly surrounds us here. A specially created Kneipp path, the refreshing "Katharinas Brunnerl" and the mill wheel itself are fed by the clear Schwarzbach stream - which flows into the Weiße Sulm immediately afterwards. Over 29 kilometers, this river meanders through the vastness of western Styria. Soon after the source of the White Sulm, about ten kilometers from the Strutz Mill, a 60 meter high waterfall roars down rock steps - a natural spectacle worth seeing!

If you visit the Strutz Mill, you can easily take a few days - the area has so much to offer. Nestled in a beech-spruce forest, the only eclogite rock in Styria can also be found nearby: a spectacular and enormous rock formation that can be reached via a natural stone gate. And not to forget: The romantic Strutz Mill is located in the south of Styria's Schilcherland - a region known not only for its wine, but above all for its wonderful landscape, culture and culinary delights. (Source: steiermark.ORF.at).

Culinary delights at the mill
Directly at the mill, chilled beverages are available daily from 9 am - 5 pm. The Alpengasthof Strutz can be reached by car or on foot in just a few minutes and offers excellent home cooking (RUHETAG Wednesday).

Guided tours & Sightseeing
Due to COVID-19 prevention measures, a guided tour of the mill is currently not possible. A maximum of 6 people are allowed in the mill at the same time, wearing a face mask is mandatory. The "Mühlen-Peter" will be happy to tell you stories about this beautiful place outside the mill (request directly on site).

Culinary establishments in the vicinity:

Culinary establishments near and in the neighboring communities of Strutz Mill: https://go.schilcherland.at/strutz-muehle-kulinarik
Culinary establishments open TODAY near and in the communities neighboring Strutz Mill: https://go.schilcherland.at/strutz-muehle-kulinarik-heute-offen
Establishments open on Wednesday: https://go.schilcherland.at/strutz-muehle-kulinarik-mittwoch

Excursion destinations in the vicinity:
The following destinations are located near the Strutz Mill:

Here you can find links to other excursion destinations in the area:

Arrival and parking

By car:
A2 exit Lieboch, on the B76 in the direction of Wies. At the Wies traffic circle take the first exit in the direction of Eibiswald, then continue right in the direction of Wernersdorf, turn left at the Mühle sign. Then drive first on an asphalted road section and then keeping right along a gravel road to the dam wall and up to the mill. ATTENTION: Parking is not allowed along the gravel road and directly by the fish ponds in front of it.

By public transport:
With the ÖBB to Wies-Eibiswald, from there about an hour walk via Wernersdorf to the mill or with the guest cab (Edegger Taxi 0664/3100025).

Route planner:
Under the following link you can calculate the route: https://go.schilcherland.at/routenplan-strutz-muehle

Busses and groups
For buses and larger groups it is recommended to book in advance and park directly at Alpengasthof Strutz (Unterfresen 26a, 8551 Wielfresen) and take the 600 meter walk to the mill (not suitable for wheelchairs).

Accommodation
Here you can find accommodations near the Strutz mill: https://link.schilcherland.at/unterkuenfte-nahe-strutzmuehle