Museum Park & Molen de Wachter - Zuidlaren

Experience Park De Wachter in Zuidlaren is a historical and educational park where visitors can take a trip back in time. The park originated with De Wachter windmill, which was built in 1851 on the Zuidlaarder Vaart. The mill originally functioned as a flour mill, and later as an oil mill and spice mill. Over the years, the mill lost its function and fell into disrepair until it was restored in the second half of the 20th century. Thanks to the efforts of many volunteers, De Wachter is now a vibrant museum park where old crafts and techniques are brought to life.

There are numerous activities to discover in the theme park. You can climb the mill and enjoy the view. See how oil is extracted from linseed and spices are ground in the authentic mill. There are also traditional workshops, such as a smithy and clog maker, where craftsmen demonstrate their traditional techniques. On Saturdays, the historic steam engines come to life and you can take a nostalgic cruise on the steam paddle steamer De Jonge Wachter.

The park also has a traditional bakery where fresh bread is baked using traditional methods. There is a special play area for children and an educational discovery tour through the museum.