Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Windmill · Haarlem, Holanda Setentrional
Molen De Adriaan
Windmill on the banks of the Spaarne, opened in 1779, destroyed by a fire in 1932 and rebuilt; guided visit includes climbing up to the gallery.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Molen De Adriaan
De Adriaan (molen = mill) opened in 1779 on the base of an old tower from Haarlem's city walls, at the edge of the river Spaarne. Because it stood high, it caught the wind well. It ground tuff, shells and oak bark, then tobacco and, from 1865, grain.
In 1932 the mill caught fire and was completely destroyed. Reconstruction only took place decades later, after a foundation set up by residents in 1991, and the mill returned to operation in the same position over the river.
Visits are only with a guide and last about 45 minutes. On the floors there are models of Dutch mills, videos and a hand mill for grinding grain. The fourth floor has a gallery around the mill, with views over Haarlem and the Spaarne.
The sails turn on some days of the week, when there is a miller and enough wind; this cannot be guaranteed. The stairs are steep, as in any mill.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About a 45-minute guided visit.
Best time
On dry days with little wind the climb up to the gallery is more comfortable. If you want to see the sails in motion, ask at the ticket office which days the miller is usually present; check the visiting hours.
How to get there
It stands on the banks of the Spaarne, about ten minutes on foot from the Grote Markt and around a 15-minute walk from Haarlem station.
Tip
Wear sturdy footwear: the internal staircases are narrow and steep. Even if you don't go in, the view of the mill from the bridge over the Spaarne is worth the walk.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Molen De Adriaan
Can you visit the windmill inside?
Yes, always with a guide. The visit lasts about 45 minutes and goes up to the balcony on the fourth floor.
Will the sails be turning?
They turn on some days of the week, when there is a miller and wind. There's no way to guarantee it; ask at the ticket office.
Is the visit accessible for people with mobility difficulties?
It's difficult: the internal stairs are narrow and steep.