Molen van Sloten

Molen van Sloten is a drainage windmill on the western side of Amsterdam that keeps water levels balanced in low-lying neighborhoods. The structure features sturdy wooden construction, rotating vanes on top, and an interior filled with gears and pumps that move water when the blades turn.

The mill was built in 1847 to address water management needs in the growing Sloten neighborhood. It was later restored and adapted to serve primarily as a drainage system rather than for grinding grain.

The mill represents how Dutch people worked together to manage water and protect their land from flooding over generations. Visitors notice how this place embodies the practical solutions that allowed communities to live below sea level safely.

The site is located on Akersluis street in western Amsterdam and is easily reached by bicycle or bus from the city center. The interior has narrow staircases and tight spaces, so visitors should move carefully and wear sturdy shoes for exploring the wooden floors and mechanical areas.

Volunteer guides demonstrate how the mill's rotating cap and internal gears work together to pump water effectively. Few other Dutch mills offer such hands-on explanations of their mechanical operations to visitors.