Huizermolen (Huizer Windmill), Arnhem

The Huizer Windmill stands proudly at the Netherlands Open Air Museum in Arnhem. This traditional windmill, classified as a “post mill,” was re-erected at the museum in 1919 - one of its very first acquisitions - and remains fully operational today. Its historical roots, however, trace back to around 1665 in the village of Huizen, where it served local agriculture until it was dismantled in 1916 and brought to Arnhem for preservation.

As a corn mill, the Huizer Windmill features a timber windshaft, four “common sails” spanning a full 22 metres, and two pairs of millstones-every 1.50 metres in diameter. The mill’s design relies on a tailpole and winch mechanism for turning, allowing its structure to catch the wind just as North-Netherlands farmers would have done centuries ago.

For visitors, the Huizer Windmill offers more than a static historic relic: after several restorations - notably in 1975–76 and again in 2012 - the mill was returned to working order, and its sails turned again by 2013. Open for external viewing during museum hours and accessible inside on Sundays, or when the mill is active, it remains a compelling testament to Dutch milling traditions and the rural life of past centuries.

Whether you’re interested in engineering, history, or simply the beauty of Dutch landscape heritage, the Huizer Windmill stands out as a charming, informative stop - a fine example of how traditional craftsmanship once powered everyday life.