Houtzaagmolen De Ster (Sawmill de Ster), Utrecht

Sawmill de Ster (Houtzaagmolen De Ster) is the heart of Molenerf de Ster, one of the last fully preserved sawmill yards in the Netherlands. Located in the Lombok neighborhood of Utrecht, on the banks of the Leidsche Rijn, this historic wind-powered sawmill has been a defining landmark since 1739. While much of the original complex disappeared over time, the sawmill itself remained and was carefully rebuilt between 1996 and 1998.

The octagonal windmill reaches 20 meters into the sky, with its blades extending an additional 9 meters, making it visible from afar. Surrounding the sawmill are the miller’s house, two servants' houses, and three wood-drying sheds, maintaining the authentic atmosphere of a working sawmill yard.

De Ster follows a traditional wood-processing technique: tree trunks-elms, plane trees, lindens, and oaks-are left in the water near the mill for up to two years to dissolve salts and acids before being hauled into the mill and cut into planks.

Beyond its industrial heritage, Sawmill de Ster is also a lively cultural hub. Every Saturday afternoon, the mill comes to life, demonstrating its original function to the public. It doubles as a music venue, meeting center, and even an official wedding location. Visitors can enjoy the mill café with a terrace by the water, take guided tours-including programs tailored for primary schools-and explore the site during National Mill Day and Monument Day.

A piece of Utrecht’s living history, Sawmill de Ster is both a working windmill and a unique gathering place where past and present meet.