On the shores of the Elva river, at Hellenurme, stands Estonia's oldest watermill to still keep its original shape: it was built by the Middendorff manor lords in 1880. Across the four floors of the facility, which still uses water to drive its equipment, you can see, touch, feel, and taste how cereal grains become something else.
As visitors arrive, the century-old turbine is engaged and the mill comes alive. You can follow from start to finish as the grain into flour, semolina or groats, with all four storeys taken up by the mechanisms. Here you can learn the origins of folk sayings, such as why two hard stones won't grind good flour, and see the literal wheat separated from the chaff; and find out that you bring one bag to the mill and take seven bags back. The appetizing smell emanating from the cozy bakery lets you know that a tray of fresh bread is nearly ready. Alternatively, you can take part in the old-fashioned baking yourself!

The watermill operates as a museum. The mistress of the mill (the granddaughter of the former owner) and the miller are there to greet guests by prior appointment.