The Twiskemolen
The Twiskemolen is an octagonal inland windmill, originally built around 1541 in Barsingerhorn.
Since 1974, this monumental polder mill has stood on the border between Landsmeer and Oostzaan, where it functions tightly as a pumping station for the approximately 650 ha Twiskepolder - in combination with an electric pumping station.
The mill yard and surrounding biotope (over 4 ha) have been officially recognised as a cultural and natural history ensemble since 2024. Volunteers and land goats manage the site, preventing young wood from sprouting and keeping the wind catch optimal, crucial for milling. The varied flora and fauna, including reed birds, hares and ring snakes, benefit from this management.
Did you know that the mill can grind as much as 20-60 m³ of water a metre and a half uphill in one minute? The combination of historical construction, administrative heritage and ecological management makes the Twiskemolen a wonderful example of sustainable polder care.