Käshammer

A Bergisch gem in the Gelpe valley

The Käshammer has stood in the Gelpe valley since 1607 and for centuries has harnessed the power of the dammed river Gelpe. It started life as a bone mill, then became a refining hammer mill in 1829 where pig iron was refined into stainless steel. As there was often not enough water in the summer to operate the hammer mill profitably, its owner Johann Hölter built a restaurant right next to the mill at the end of the 19th century. This was run as a destination restaurant until 2005. The hammer pond could be used for rowing and swimming. The hammer mill itself served as a private house from the mid-20th century. Following extensive restoration work by Peter Rudolph, it is now one of the best-preserved hammer mills in the Bergisch tri-city area. 
It is still a private house today. However, it is not open to the public. It definitely catches your eye though on a walk through the Gelpe valley.