Sønderho Windmill, Smock mill in Sønderho, Denmark
Sønderho Windmill is an eight-sided wooden structure on the village outskirts with a rotating cap and large sails for catching wind. Inside, the original milling mechanisms are preserved, showing how the mill operated.
The mill was built in 1895 and operated until 1923, when it fell into disrepair and was purchased by the Village Trust in 1928 for preservation. This rescue saved the building from complete decay and made it a lasting record of the past.
The mill demonstrates traditional Danish milling techniques and represents the agricultural methods that sustained local communities on Fanø Island. It remained central to the village's economic life for decades.
The mill is open for self-guided visits from Easter through late October, with no staff present on-site. Visitors should expect uneven floors and narrow stairs inside.
The mill contains original mechanisms for adjusting sail positions according to wind direction, a handcrafted detail showing the design's adaptability. These precise adjustments let the miller optimize efficiency under varying weather conditions.
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