Schwaigermühle – over 430 years of history in Kirchberg in Tirol

A house that has breathed history for centuries – from the old mill to the breakfast guesthouse and now the premium apartments.

The story of the Schwaigermühle began in 1594 and has been lovingly preserved and continued by our family for around 200 years.
Until 1956, our grandfather actively operated the mill, accompanied by the sound of the Ache and the life surrounding it. In 1959, it transformed into a breakfast guesthouse, a place of encounter and hospitality.
In 2024, the Schwaigermühle was carefully renovated and transformed into stylish apartments that combine historic charm with modern alpine comfort.
Today, the Schwaigermühle is more than just a place to stay – it’s a venue where history remains palpable, families come together, and memories are created.
A temporary home for guests seeking something special and eager to return.

 

A glimpse into our history

• 1594

  The origins of the Schwaigermühle

  In 1594, the mill building was constructed by Lukas Starz, formerly known as Handlmühle. To this day, it forms the heart of the ensemble, symbolizing history, stability, and true craftsmanship.

  
• 1705

  The flax oil mill

  Andrä Aichner established the flax oil mill and received permission for oil production. Twice a year, flax oil was pressed here – a valuable natural product and an important part of life at the time. Today, the oil mill is being restored as a museum.

• 1723

  Signs of a fire

  Sooty marks in the masonry and the ridge beam dating back to 1723 suggest that the mill was affected by a fire that year – a quiet testament to times gone by.

• 1825

  The beginning of the family story

  Joseph Mayr purchased the mill for his son Anton and his wife Anna. For nearly 200 years, the Schwaigermühle has remained in family ownership, cherished, preserved, and developed from generation to generation.

• 1840

  Gratitude and protection

  A severe storm strikes Kirchberg, yet the mill remains unscathed. In gratitude, a votive tablet is donated to the Kirchanger chapel – a sign of deep connection to the region.

   
• 1834

  The Zuhäusl is created

  The ensemble also included the Zuhäusl, where the miller lived. In addition to operating the mill, pitch was produced here.

• 1836

  The wine cellar is established

  Originally built as a fisherman's or carpenter's hut, the wine cellar evolved into a significant part of the historic ensemble of the Schwaigermühle. In the basement, schnapps was distilled and later served as an artist's studio.

•  ~1900

  The first electricity in Kirchberg

  A direct current generator is installed in the wine cellar, powered by the waterwheel of the flax oil mill. This marks the first electricity generation in Kirchberg – a true piece of pioneering spirit.

   
• 1914

  A miracle at the Ache

  On April 8, a three-year-old boy falls over the three-meter-high protective wall into the Ache and is carried by the mill stream to the Schwaigermühle (then still Handlmühle). He is found at the rake and successfully revived after 30 minutes – a moving event in the history of the house.

• 1950s

  A house full of life

  The wine cellar becomes a meeting place: An establishment called 'die Weindiele' is created on the upper floor, turning into a hub of encounter, creativity, and sociability.

• 1954

  The flax oil production is discontinued

  Flax cultivation becomes increasingly rare, and industrially produced oil is used more frequently. After many years, the traditional flax oil production at the Schwaigermühle also comes to an end – a quiet shift of the times.

• 1955

  The last schnapps distillation

  This year, schnapps is distilled for the last time in the wine cellar.

• 1956

  The end of mill operations

  After flood damage to the mill stream and changing agricultural conditions (less and less grain is grown), mill operations cease. A significant chapter comes to a close, making way for new beginnings.

• 1959

  The breakfast guesthouse is established

  The mill transforms into a breakfast guesthouse. Guests first find relaxation and hospitality here – the beginning of a new era of arrival and comfort.

• 2024

  A new chapter as premium apartments

  With great respect for history, the Schwaigermühle has been carefully renovated and transformed into stylish apartments. Today, it combines historic charm with modern alpine comfort.

  
• Today

  A place that connects history and people

  Today, the Schwaigermühle links Tyrolean history with strong family roots, modern architecture, and alpine living comfort. Sustainable construction and loving details create a space that is both authentic and contemporary.

  The Schwaigermühle is a place where history is not just told but experienced.