Molen de Adriaan

A reconstructed 18th-century windmill standing on the banks of the Spaarne river, one of Haarlem's most recognisable landmarks. The tower mill was originally built in 1779 for tobacco and tanning bark grinding, and the current reconstruction faithfully reproduces the original.

Climb the narrow stairs to the viewing gallery for a panorama over Haarlem's rooftops, the river, and the surrounding polders. On windy days the sails are set and the internal machinery turns — the mechanism is explained during the guided tour. The mill sits on a picturesque stretch of the Spaarne, near the Catharijnebrug. Best photographed from the opposite bank in the late afternoon.

things to do sight
A story
The original 18th-century windmill burned down in 1932 after a spark from a passing steam train ignited the wooden structure. The city rebuilt it from scratch in 2002 using old photographs and plans — a labour of love that took years and was funded largely by public donations.