De Zwaluw

De Zwaluw is an octagonal stellingmill standing 36 meters tall, equipped with two milling pairs for grain processing and a separate saw shed attached to the main structure. The building sits on wooden posts that allow wind to flow freely beneath it for maximum efficiency.

Built in 1875, this mill served the region's farming community for over a century before a fire in 1972 halted its operations. A complete restoration completed in 1987 returned it to full working condition.

Professional millers and volunteers here keep traditional Dutch milling practices alive, grinding grain and sawing wood much as it was done generations ago. You can watch these skills in action during your visit.

Tours run from May through October on Tuesdays to Saturdays, making it best to plan your visit during these months and days. The mill actively operates on weekends, and grain sales happen on Fridays and Saturdays if you want to purchase freshly milled products.

The sawmill section sits offset from the center in a distinctive way, similar to the design of paltrok mill structures. This clever arrangement allowed both milling and sawing to work more efficiently side by side.

Location: Ferwerderadiel

Part of: De Zwaluw

GPS coordinates: 53.29595,5.88156

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:00