Super Windmill – Molenmuseum De Valk in Leiden

Living in the Netherlands makes it easy to visit windmills and it’s a pretty enjoyable experience too. For instance, I’ve been to Museum Mill Nederwaard at Kinderdijk as well as de Roos Windmill in Delft. I must say that every time I visit a new windmill I have a completely different experience, for each has its own history, interior and quirks.

Molenmuseum de valk is a windmill museum and the origins of the mill itself date from 1743. The windmill is situated in the heart of Leiden in the Netherlands – in fact, you cannot miss it if you exit the main train station and make your way into the city. This is a super windmill indeed and a worthwhile visit if you enjoy seeing the city from a good height.

In fact, Molenmuseum de Valk (de Valk being the name of the windmill) has seven floors, all of which are open to the public.

The interior of Molenmuseum de Valk is fascinating. Old sign boards tell a 200 hundred year-old story.

In the very first passageway of the mill there is a board outlining what to expect on the various floors.

The ground floor comprises old furniture, a lounge, living areas and a kitchen. Everything appears to be quite small.

Just look at how low the little white stove is and how small each piece of furniture is.

On the walls you’ll find some old drawings of the windmill that have survived the decades.

But be warned! This is a mill with seven floors and very, very steep stairs (as Dutch houses are known for). In some instances, near the very top of Molenmuseum de Valk I had to climb down backwards as the steps were too narrow and steep!

These stairs seem quite alright for now…but wait, you’ll feel like you are climbing a ladder later on.

On the first floor you’ll find some objects telling the story of Molenmuseum de Valk, the purpose and history of the windmill.

You’ll also find some windmill memorabilia and old packaging for sweets in the famous blue and white style of Delft Blue pottery.

There are also some models of windmill de Valk on various floors.

Sadly, during the industrial revolution, the mill was put out of use as local bread factories could produce at much higher quantities.

  

And this is what old kneading blocks looked like – they were once carved out of stone.

And these are old hand mills used for grinding.

Here you’ll even see a tiny model inside a glass case that shows the inner workings of a mill.

Lastly, the very top level of Molenmuseum de Valk has one of the most rewarding views and you’ll be glad you climbed to the top.

The view of Leiden is really lovely and you’ll get a better feel of this (mostly) student city.

  

At the top you’ll find a rather large steering wheel that was actually the main workplace of the miller. Here he would turn the wheel to grind the grain inside the mill.

Looks like a shield of a superhero if you ask me! The star marks the spot…

And the room at the very top of the mill is fascinating too. Here you’ll see how the flour was created and grain ground, and how it would eject through the wooden shoot and collect in sacks on the floor.

You’ll also find some heavy metal tools once used by the miller.

The last lap. The dangerous stairwell continues. Yes. Those are my feet. Looking down, on my way out.

Molenmuseum de Valk was a great experience. This is indeed a super windmill, and by far the steepest stairs I’ve ever climbed inside one. Well worth a visit if you want to better understand the importance of windmills in Dutch history.