De Otter, Wooden sawmill in Gillis van Ledenberchstraat, Netherlands.
De Otter is a wooden sawmill located on Gillis van Ledenberchstraat in Amsterdam. The building has sails spanning about 19.50 meters (64 feet) and operates through a tail pole and winch system designed to cut and shape wood.
Built in 1631, it stands as the only remaining sawmill from an era when dozens of similar structures operated between the Kostverlorenvaart canal and the Singelgracht. The building survived centuries of urban change and gained protected status as a Rijksmonument.
The mill bears a name referencing the otter, reflecting Dutch connections to nature and waterways. You can see today how the building fits into the modern urban setting and sense the role craft work once played in the city.
The location sits in a densely built-up area, so expect limited space for viewing and movement around it. Plan your visit during daylight hours and take advantage of nearby public transportation to reach the address.
Tall buildings surrounding the site have blocked much of the wind flow it needs to function, fundamentally changing how it operates. This constraint has sparked ongoing discussions about possible solutions, including relocation to another area.
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