Visit the world's tallest windmills in Schiedam
May 21, 2024
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Are you curious to know what work in a mill is really like? We took a look behind the scenes at windmill De Vrijheid in Schiedam. Very interesting to find out exactly what goes on inside the round stone walls of this windmill. In addition, the visit to this mill is quite special. After all, this is one of the tallest mills in the world and the only mill in Schiedam that is still fully operational. Flour is still ground here every working day. Molen De Vrijheid is a beautiful windmill that you can find on the edge of the inner city of Schiedam. We tell you all about it in this blog article!
A look inside Mill The Freedom
The mills in Schiedam are traditionally burner mill that were used for grinding different types of grain for the city's distilleries. Today, the same technique is still used at Mill De Vrijheid to produce different types of flour. Up to the cap, the mill is 33 meters high and composed of seven different attics. Each attic has its own function.
The name "The Freedom" was given to the mill by its patrons during construction in 1785. The name refers to the freedom struggle of the American colonists against the British empire. On the mill you can still see the facade stone symbolizing 'The Freedom' with Pallas Athena, the goddess of struggle and peace.
The operation of the mill
De Vrijheid can be called both a rack and a windmill. The word "scaffold" refers to the wooden frame that is essential for the miller to access the sails. When there is not enough wind, he can cover the blades with tarps that catch more wind. The cap on top of the mill can be turned by means of the wheel. You can see this at the top right of the picture: a kind of wheel. By operating the wheel, the sails are turned to the wind. So a windmill uses wind energy.
The rotary motion of the blades is the basis for the work inside the mill itself. Inside the mill are several shafts and gears that are automatically controlled by the rotating motion of the blades. For example, in one of the attics works the grinding stone that rotates along with the movement of the blades.
The seven different attics
When you enter the mill you are on the first floor, also called the shipping area. Here the grain products are delivered for production but you will also find the flour bags and other milling products ready for transport to Mill de Vrijheid's customers. The various attics can be reached via steep wooden stairs. This mill still has traditional stairs that have nice traces of use due to the many climbing of the stairs with the typical Dutch clogs.
1. From the first to the fourth attic
In the first attic are the grain silos, packing table and mixing boiler. During our visit to The Freedom, we watched with interest as the flour sacks were manually weighed and filled with flour. In the second and third attics are even more grain silos and equipment such as a special baling machine to make flour.
The fourth attic is our favorite. In fact, this is where the transformation of grain into flour takes place. Also, you can go outside from this attic. The wooden scaffolding is also called the 'counter' in the Rijnmond region. Only when you stand here do you realize how high the mills are. From the counter you have a beautiful view over the inner city of Schiedam AND you can see some of the other mills.
2. Attic five
From the fifth attic, the grain is poured into the millstones via the wooden bins (see photo below). In the old days, the bags of grain were hoisted from the bottom to the top by 14-year-old boys with the lazy wheel. Nowadays this is done in a modern way with a Jacob's ladder and screws.
3. The last two attics
Attic six and seven is where the technical workings of the mill take place. Here you can see how the rotating blades cause the shafts and gears inside the mill to engage and rotate along at the same speed. This causes the grinding stones to rotate. After the grain comes out of the grinding stones as flour, it falls through a flour pipe into the mixing kettle. From here the flour is packed and processed.
The flour products of mill The Freedom
The production of each type of flour varies from each other, but has one similarity. And that is that all the flour in this mill is made artisanally. That means that there are no additives in any flour. It is a completely pure product. And that is precisely what makes it so unique to work with this mill flour. The mill's diverse offerings are available at Mill Shop the Walvisch. Many people buy home baking products here.
In addition to supplying flour products to the mill store, the mill is also specially milled for distilleries, bakers, restaurants, retail and wholesalers. Fun hotspots that use products from the mill include sandwich stores Vlaamsch Broodhuys and Das Brot, ramen restaurant Yokohama Ramen Saito and distillers Notaris Jenever and Bobby's Gin.
The miller's craft as intangible UNESCO heritage
To become a miller you have to complete a pretty tough education. This became clear to us during our visit to the mill. Miller Theo showed us all the tricks of his trade. His passion and knowledge of mills is impressive. Not only do you have to be able to operate the mill technically, but you also have to understand the ever-changing weather conditions and, of course, be able to make a good grinding product.
Being a corn miller is a craft. In 2018, Mill De Vrijheid celebrated with Minister of Culture Engelshoven that the craft of miller is the first recognized intangible Dutch UNESCO heritage. In short, a milling business like this mill is indispensable to maintain this unique and typically Dutch craft. See also the video of our visit to Mill De Vrijheid, where we take you on a tour of the mill.
Be surprised by the pleasant city of Schiedam
Schiedam is a city full of surprises, where history and conviviality go hand in hand. Admire the tallest mills in the world, discover the rich geneva tradition in the Dutch Distillers District and be inspired by the finest sights and tips for Schiedam.
Also, don't forget to visit the Babber Mill, the oldest stone polder mill in the Netherlands!
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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