Molen De Valk

Yesterday, we had a delightful visit to Molenmuseum De Valk with our Dutch friends. ​The museum has impeccably preserved the original appearance of a traditional Dutch windmill. It showcases a vast collection of authentic historical tools and equipment, offering a comprehensive and systematic look at the history, evolution, and inner workings of windmills. Through well-designed bilingual displays (English and Dutch) featuring text, images, and multimedia videos, the museum provides a wealth of detailed information that is both informative and easy to understand. ​The viewing platform at the top of the mill offers stunning, memorable views of the surroundings. Furthermore, the museum staff were incredibly friendly, and the facilities were excellent. ​We are thoroughly satisfied with our visit and would highly recommend this high-quality museum to anyone looking for an in-depth understanding of traditional Dutch windmills.

This museum is a treasure - full of history presented in displays, video, reading and photos, and models all with multiple language offerings. I was so enchanted by the development of the mills and loved getting to climb up and experience the inside layout. A wonderful worthwhile visit!

I didn't visit it closely nor did i came inside but i just saw it from the bridge across it and it is still pretty! I can recommend you to take picture from where I took it because it looks soo big and cool and so.... netherland! hahaha it's just a few meters straight walk from the central station too!

1. 🌾 Built in 1743, De Valk (“The Falcon”) replaced an older mill that had stood on the same site since the late 1500s. 2. 🦅 The name “De Valk” means “The Falcon” — a symbol of sharp vision and strength. 3. 🏗️ Originally, it was a flour mill, grinding grain for local bakeries in Leiden. 4. 🧱 Standing about 29 meters tall, it’s one of the highest traditional windmills in the Netherlands. 5. 🏛️ In 1960, the mill was converted into a museum — the Molenmuseum De Valk, which is still open today. 6. 🏠 Inside, you can explore the miller’s living quarters, preserved exactly as they looked in the 19th century. 7. ⚙️ The machinery still works, and the sails are occasionally set in motion for demonstrations. 8. 🌆 The top offers a stunning panoramic view over the historic city of Leiden. 9. 🎓 It’s located near Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands (founded in 1575). 10. 🪶 De Valk is a national monument (Rijksmonument) and one of Leiden’s most iconic landmarks — often seen on postcards and travel posters.

Very old windmill still functioning to see and understand how it works. You can climb 7 floors through wooden ladders. However, one needs to be careful not to sleep during climbing up and down.

Amazing little museum. Learned so much about Dutch windmill history. Great views over the city as well. Definitely would recommend to all! The stairs are almost ladders so would not recommend for families with young children or anyone with mobility issues

As a travel reviewer, I found Molenmuseum De Valk to be a captivating journey into the past. You will climb up and down the mill’s various levels, exploring how the millers lived and worked inside this impressive structure. The climb is both enlightening and rewarding, culminating in panoramic views that are worth every step. The exhibits are well-curated, providing a comprehensive understanding of the mill’s history and its significance in Dutch culture. While the steep stairs may pose a challenge for some, the experience is undoubtedly enriching and offers a unique perspective of Leiden’s heritage. Tickets cost €6, making it an affordable and memorable visit.

Wonderful mill in the heart of Leiden. Beautiful building and interesting exhibits about the history of mills in the Netherlands. Who knew there were so many different kinds of mills here!! Would highly recommend for anyone interested in windmills while visiting Leiden. Especially nice was they allowed me to bring my dog through in her little backpack. Would recommend having something to carry your dog with that allows your hands to be free since the stairs are very steep.

If you want a slower pace than Amsterdam, Leiden is a smaller town with a few great museums, including the Molenmuseum De Valk (Windmill Museum). This museum entry was fairly inexpensive (I think maybe five euros a person), and you see the inner workings- literally- of the windmill. You can get some great views and pictures of the city. The gift shop has some inexpensive but nice souvenirs and a clean restroom included with the admission price. The only downside to this museum is the steps, which are basically ladders, and you must go down them backwards. Since this is a historical structure, you must use the stairs, so if you're mobility challenged, I would skip the upper floors.

Such a worthwhile museum to visit when in Leiden. It's only 5euros to go up and won't take longer than an hour. Molen de Valk is one of the scaffold type of windmills. After going up to the main landing, don't skip out on the informational video that discusses the history and importance of windmills in the Netherlands, I learned so much. Then it was super fun to scale up with narrow and steep stairs until the scaffold part. It is pretty scary, esp having to climb backwards to go down, but a great experience.

You want to learn about windmills? Make your way here. Great film, helpful docent, and nice souvenirs to purchase. Watch the steps. They are narrow with a steep incline.

In the middle of Leiden a cute museum definitely worth visiting ! A little bit of history to learn about the town and about the importance of windmills in the Netherlands. Oh an great views from up top of the city .

Super leuk windmill (or mill) in the HEART of Leiden. More importantly it's visiting Leiden when you see this museum. It's really worth a visit and just a quick walk from the train station. Go for it!

That was fun! Who doesn't want to see a windmill? This was really great, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I want to see more working windmills now.