Windmill De Fortuin is iconic for Hattem

Corn Mill De Fortuin on Molenbelt 7 is inseparably linked to Hattem. It is a true crowd puller and consequently many tourists come to have a closer look. In the mill cottage next to the windmill, we talk with Matthieu Stroobach (72). He is one of the seven (!) qualified millers in Hattem and also chairman. ‘Together with the guides and the shop staff we are all together with some 25 volunteers.”

First topic that comes up is the history of the octagonal tower mill. ‘’The mill was put here in 1816 but is probably older. We think its origin lies in Groningen, where it must have been taken apart and brought to Hattem by water. Here the mill has been put together again.” Actually De Fortuin came to replace a mill which was blown over in 1808. Over the years many restorations have been carried out, as, for instance, in 1852 when the stone undermount of the mill was rebuilt. By the end of the sixties in the previous century the municipality of Hattem took over the mill and had it completely restored. Recently the setting of the mill was replaced while in 2019 new wings and sails were put in place.

The volunteers make sure that the mill can operate from time to time and they receive visitors. ‘’This mill is completely grind worthy and that can certainly not be said of all mills in the Netherlands. Many mills can only operate their sails because the inner works are missing’’, explains Stroobach. This means that A.D. 2022 wheat is still ground in the authentic way here. We ask what it is that makes being a miller so worthwhile. ‘’Transfer of knowledge. There are also mills that are situated on a dead end road in the polder. Hardly anybody pays those a visit. We sometimes receive between 100 to 150 people per day.” Admission is free of charge, ‘’the reason is that we believe the mill must be accessible to everybody.’’ A voluntary contribution is welcome. According to the miller many people wonder about the way In which the mill operates. ‘’Some people expect to find an electromotor, but the wings turn on the wind’’. Children, too, enjoy and learn from a tour in windmill De Fortuin.’’ During opening hours there is always a qualified miller present.’’

The mill, but also the shop with, among others, truly artisan bread- and cake mixtures is all year round opened on Saturdays and in the summer holidays also on Wednesday afternoons.