Houtzaagmolen De Ster, in Utrecht's Lombok district, is an industrial monument and archetypal Dutch symbol in the middle of the city.
History
Dozens of mills used to stand in and around Utrecht, including 3 sawmills along the Leidsche Vaart. In those days, they stood just outside the city, in the then still open field. A favourable spot in terms of wind and also easily accessible for timber rafts and ships.
Wood sawmill De Ster was built in 1739, and was used for centuries as a lumber...
Houtzaagmolen De Ster, in Utrecht's Lombok district, is an industrial monument and archetypal Dutch symbol in the middle of the city.
History
Dozens of mills used to stand in and around Utrecht, including 3 sawmills along the Leidsche Vaart. In those days, they stood just outside the city, in the then still open field. A favourable spot in terms of wind and also easily accessible for timber rafts and ships.
Wood sawmill De Ster was built in 1739, and was used as a lumberyard for centuries. In 1911, wind power was replaced by electricity, and the windmill on the roof of the sawmill was demolished. When sawmill operations ceased for good in the 1980s, new plans were made to rebuild the mill. More than a decade later, the job was done: in September 1998, the mill hull was installed, and on 22 June 1999, the mill was officially opened. The surrounding 18th-century mill yard has remained largely intact, and together with the mill regularly hosts events such as festivals, open-air film screenings and performances.
Sawing demonstrations and guided tours
Every Saturday it is possible to have a free look around the mill. From 13.00 to 16.00, the doors will be open and guided tours will be given. If the wind is right, you can see how sawing used to be done, and enthusiastic guides will be happy to tell you about the workings of the mill and the history of the mill park.
The Molencafé is also open on Saturdays and Sundays. On the sunny waterside terrace, you can then enjoy organic juices, local beers or a cold glass of wine.