De Noord

De Noord is a gristmill in Rotterdam featuring multiple levels with machinery for processing grain using wind power. The building showcases wooden gears, millstones, and an intricate network of shafts that transferred power from the main rotor to the working areas.

The mill was built in the early 1900s to process grain for Rotterdam's growing population. It played an important role in the city's grain trade, handling imported cereals that arrived through the harbor for further processing.

The building reflects how millers lived and worked within Rotterdam's community, with spaces that show the close relationship between the craft and daily neighborhood life. The layout reveals the practical demands of grain processing as part of the city's working culture.

The mill is easily reached by public transport from downtown Rotterdam. Visitors should expect stairs between levels and wear sturdy shoes, as the internal spaces involve considerable climbing.

The main rotor had a diameter of about 23 feet (7 meters) and was fitted with hundreds of individual blades to capture even gentle breezes. This scale shows how seriously Dutch engineers approached wind power efficiency.