PLACE & PEOPLE

Preserving history.
Inspiring imagination.

A former oil and grain mill on the Lower Rhine, shaped by historic objects and unconventional ideas.

Viller Mühle — The mill & Heinz Bömler

A living monument

Viller Mühle is a listed former oil and grain mill. Its present form dates from around 1870; it was first recorded in 1291.

Find out more

Heinz Bömler’s world

Puppetry, live performance and a love of unusual things give the place its character. Visitors discover a collection of stories as well as an event venue.

Find out more

By the water

The ensemble includes outdoor areas by a branch of the Niers. We discuss which areas are available for your visit or event during planning.

Find out more

Plan your visit

The mill from above

Viller Mühle — The mill & Heinz Bömler
Viller Mühle — The mill & Heinz Bömler

Water, steam and a new beginning

In 1877 a narrow-gauge horse railway connected the mill to Hassum station. The oil and grist mill was rebuilt after the 1913 fire. From 1930 it ran on steam and electricity; straightening the Niers ended water power. Oil production stopped in 1940 and grain milling in 1972. Heinz Bömler bought the ensemble in 1994 and began restoring it. The site has been listed since 2000.

Viller Mühle — The mill & Heinz Bömler
Working life at Viller Mühle · historic photograph
Viller Mühle — The mill & Heinz Bömler
De Beijer: the Viller watermills on the Niers, 18th century

Heinz Bömler — a head full of stories

Viller Mühle — The mill & Heinz Bömler
Viller Mühle — The mill & Heinz Bömler

Puppeteer, creative thinker and marketing man: Heinz Bömler connects entertainment with unusual encounters. As a shoeshiner or porter, through sales training and distinctive event concepts, he brings people together. His activities attract attention and spark conversations. The right role and idea for your occasion are agreed personally.

The mill by the water

Viller Mühle — The mill & Heinz Bömler
Viller Mühle — The mill & Heinz Bömler

A branch of the Niers connects the mill ensemble with its surroundings. Water once drove its wheels and turbines; straightening the river ended this source of power. The history of the place is closely tied to the river.

The bunker and beer garden complement the historic interiors with outdoor areas by the water. We discuss personally which areas suit your visit or event and are available.

Plan your visit