Vang vandmølle

“Who owns the wind?” a child’s voice once echoed near Vang Vandmølle. This question, seemingly simple, held a deeper meaning for the villagers whose lives were intertwined with the forces of nature. Vang Vandmølle, nestled on the banks of the Ringebækken stream, stands as a testament to a time when water, not wind, was the driving force of this small community. Built in 1811 by Poul Hansen, a local from Vang, the watermill served the community for almost a century. Vang Vandmølle is the only listed watermill on Bornholm, a silent witness to the island’s rich history. Imagine the scene in the 19th century: farmers bringing their grain, the rhythmic splashing of the water wheel, and the steady grind of the millstones producing flour and malt. The mill operated until around 1905, eventually succumbing to the competition from the larger, more efficient Bymøllen, a Dutch windmill constructed in 1874. The transition from water power to wind power marked a significant shift in the local economy. The watermill fell into disrepair, a forgotten relic of a bygone era. But its story didn’t end there. Foreningen Bornholm, recognizing the mill’s historical significance, stepped in to preserve Vang Vandmølle in 1928. The mill has since undergone several restorations, ensuring that future generations can appreciate this unique piece of Bornholm’s heritage. The restoration efforts have breathed new life into Vang Vandmølle. A new water wheel and millstones have been installed, and there are plans to restore the system of mill ponds that once regulated the flow of the Ringebækken. Perhaps one day, the rhythmic churning of the water wheel will once again fill the valley, echoing the question, “Who owns the water?” Today, as you stand before Vang Vandmølle, you’re not just looking at a building. You’re looking at a story etched in stone and timber, a story of ingenuity, resilience, and the enduring power of nature.