Die Windmühle

The story

Die Windmühle: Bib Gourmand Country Cooking in a 14th-Century Mill, Detmold

A Mill with History

Die Windmühle Fissenknick sits in the small village of Fissenknick near Horn-Bad Meinberg, in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region. The building dates back to the 14th century, a rare historic windmill that has been given a second life as a restaurant. The owners, Birgit and Holger Lemke, have turned the old stone walls into a warm, welcoming space where the original mill character remains intact. Guests can dine inside, surrounded by the mill’s romantic atmosphere, or on the sunny terrace when the weather permits.

The Kitchen

Holger Lemke is the chef and creative force behind the “Mühlenküche” – the mill kitchen. His philosophy is straightforward: modern cooking that respects the seasons, uses regional produce, and sometimes revives forgotten ingredients. The menu changes based on daily market purchases, so there is no fixed carte. Dishes like the Windmühlenschnitzel with onions, mushrooms, and hollandaise, or the pan-fried zander fillet with creamed cabbage and potato snow, show a country cooking that is both hearty and refined. A cheese plate from the local organic bakery Meffert is a simple, satisfying finish.

Recognition and Atmosphere

The Bib Gourmand from Michelin confirms what regulars already know: this is good cooking at a fair price. The award highlights the value and quality of the food. The restaurant also hosts themed evenings – a wine menu night and a whisky dinner are on the calendar for 2026, reflecting the interesting wine list that the tag suggests. Parking is available, and the outdoor seating makes summer visits a pleasure. The Lemkes run the place with personal care; reservations are required for both lunch and dinner. It is a genuine, unpretentious spot where history and good country cooking meet.