Molen De Fortuin (mill)

Windmill ‘De Fortuin’ at Molenbelt 5 is inextricably linked to Hattem. It is a real tourist attraction; many tourists come here to take a look. We speak with Matthieu Stroobach in the mill house, right next to the mill. Matthieu is chairman and also one of the seven(!) certified millers in Hattem. "Guides and shop staff together, we are a team of about 26 volunteers."

First of all the history of the octagonal tower mill is discussed. "The mill was constructed here in 1816, but is probably older. We think it originally came from Groningen, was taken apart there, taken to Hattem over water, and rebuilt here." As a matter of fact, ‘De Fortuin’ replaced a mill that was blown over in 1808. Over the years, various restorations have taken place, such as in 1852 when the stone foundation of the mill was rebuilt. In the late 1960s, the municipality of Hattem took over the mill and had it completely restored. In 2023, the break wheel was completely restored by a mill making company. The original break wheel was severely damaged by furniture beetles and longhorn beetles.

"This mill is fully operational and that certainly does not apply to all mills in the Netherlands. Many mills are only able to turn, but the mill machinery is missing", Stroobach indicates. This is why, nowadays, wheat can still be ground here in an authentic manner, for instance for the Bakery Museum in Hattem.

The volunteers literally keep the mill running. "During opening hours a certified miller is always present. We sometimes receive 100 to 150 people per day." Admission is free, "because we want it to be accessible to everyone." But a voluntary contribution is much appreciated. According to the miller, many people are amazed by how a mill works. "Some people expect to find an electric motor, but it is the wind that makes the sails turn." Children also enjoy ánd learn from a tour of the ‘De Fortuin’ mill.

The mill, but also the shop with, among other things, artisanal bread and cake mixes, is open on Saturdays all year round and on Wednesday afternoons in July and August. De Fortuin is also open during ´Visit Hattem´ events.

Info: www.molendefortuin.nl Facebook: www.facebook.com/molendefortuin X: @molenvanhattem