Take a look

View all 4 pictures

Visit wind powered sawmill ‘De Rat’ and step back in time three hundred years!

‘De Rat’ is one of the few wind-driven sawmills still in full production in the Netherlands. Just as it was three hundred years ago, oards and beams are sawn daily from the logs. As you enter ‘De Rat’, you are greeted by the smell of freshly sawn timber. Fastened to three carriers the logs are transported slowly but steadily through the blades.

Standing on the sawing floor it is impressive to see the power of the wind, harnessed to drive the blades, up to thirteen in a row, turn the log into the widths required by the sawyer. The sawyer scans the sky, keeping an eye on the sails of the mill, and making adjustments as needed. A little more sail, wind it slightly into the wind, and so he trims his mill just as a sailor at sea would.

He will be delighted to explain all of this to you, because it is his passion as well as his profession.

Every monday closed
Every tuesday closed
Every wednesday closed
Every thursday closed
Every friday closed
Every saturday from 09:00 to 17:00
Every sunday closed

Distance to your location:

Here you will find Houtzaagmolen de Rat

Sneekerpad 18
8651 NE IJlst

Plan your route

Route Plan your route to Houtzaagmolen de Rat

Eating and drinking
Accommodation
To do
Events

Skip map elements

Houtzaagmolen de Rat

Take a look

Share with family and friends