Molenmuseum De Valk

Molenmuseum De Valk is a distinctive windmill museum located in the heart of Leiden, South Holland. Housed in the historic windmill De Valk, which dates back to 1743, the museum offers visitors a chance to step inside one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The mill is not only a symbol of Leiden’s industrial heritage but also features the only preserved mill house from 1900 still standing in the Netherlands.

Inside, the museum focuses on the history and technology of Dutch windmills, particularly those used for grinding wheat. Visitors can explore several levels of the mill, including the sleeping loft, storage loft, and attic, where the original grinding mechanism remains in place and occasionally operates. Exhibits provide insight into the daily life of millers, the science behind wind-powered milling, and the broader significance of windmills in Dutch history.

Molenmuseum De Valk is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm (10 am to 5 pm in July–December). The last entry is at 4:30 pm. Admission is €6.00 for adults, €3.00 for children aged 6–15, and free for children under 6. Due to steep stairs, the museum is not wheelchair-accessible. For those interested in industrial heritage, local history, or simply experiencing a working windmill up close, De Valk provides a memorable visit.