Mijn Genoegen (My Delight Sawmill), Arnhem

My Delight is a historic sawmill that offers insight into the craftsmanship and industrial traditions that once shaped Arnhem and its surrounding region. Dating to the nineteenth century, the mill originally served local timber industries at a time when water-powered and wind-powered facilities played an essential role in processing wood for construction and everyday use. Its move to the Openluchtmuseum ensured its preservation, allowing visitors to understand how sawmills operated before modern machinery transformed production methods. Set within the museum’s landscape of farms, workshops, and historic buildings, the sawmill contributes to a broader picture of Dutch rural life and the tools that supported it.

The structure is built around a classic paltrok design, a type of wind-powered sawmill developed specifically for cutting large timbers. Its open sides allow for efficient handling of logs, while the wind-driven mechanism powers the vertical saws that once shaped planks and beams. Inside, visitors can view the traditional gear systems and wooden frames that demonstrate the mill’s working principles. On selected days, demonstrations show how wind energy was harnessed to keep production moving, offering a clear sense of the effort, skill, and coordination involved.

Surrounded by the natural setting of the Open-Air Museum, My Delight Sawmill also provides a quiet moment within the wider visitor route. It stands as both a functional remnant of Arnhem’s economic past and a reminder of the ingenuity found in the Netherlands’ historic industries. For travellers interested in traditional technologies, it is a rewarding stop that deepens the understanding of the country’s practical heritage.