Homburg Paper Mill

Tradition Handcrafted

In Homburg am Main, Johannes Follmer crafts exquisite paper from cotton fibers and sizing by hand in the historic paper mill, following in the footsteps of his ancestors. The nearby Bischbach spring was the reason why, 200 years ago, papermaker Leonhard Leinzinger dismantled his mill in Windheim and had it rebuilt in Homburg am Main. Today, Johannes Follmer is the fifth generation to carry on this papermaking legacy.

The Legacy of the Papermakers

At the Homburg Paper Mill Museum, we embark on a journey through the history of artisanal and industrial papermaking within a historic setting. With its striking pagoda-like hipped roof, the paper mill is considered one of the landmarks of Homburg, a picturesque wine-growing village framed by the River Main and surrounding vineyards.

Uniting Tech and Tradition

From 1807—when the papermaking tradition in Homburg was established—until the mill's closure in 1975, paper and cardboard were produced using hydropower. The Bischbach provided clean process water and sufficient energy to drive the waterwheel system. The product range included various writing and printing papers, which were later exported as far as overseas.

Located directly adjacent to the former production areas were the living quarters of the papermaker's family. Work and home life were closely intertwined. Today, following extensive renovation, the paper mill presents itself as a museum unique in all of Southern Germany. In the paper manufactory, handmade papers are once again being produced, available for purchase directly at the museum for artistic needs.