The Otter

Along the picturesque Kostverlorenvaart in Amsterdam Oud West rises Zaagmolen de Otter, a valuable sawmill that traces its origins back to the year 1631. This mill is the last remaining paragon of a series of sawmills that once graced the western cityscape between the 17th and 19th centuries, located near the Buitensingelgracht.

The Otter, a type of paltroke mill, is a unique sight in the world. Only five of these paltro sawmills can be admired worldwide, of which De Otter is rightfully the most venerable. A witness to bygone industrial times, this mill recalls a time when the power of the wind was essential for a wide range of craft processes.

In 2019, Zaagmolen de Otter underwent a thorough restoration, restoring its former glory. This allowed the mill to once again embrace its original function: sawing logs. In favourable wind conditions, the sails of De Otter still turn, as a tribute to its own history and the crucial role windmills played in the past.

A special way to show commitment to preserving this historic mill is by purchasing a piece of "pulp soap", which incorporates the mill's sawdust. This unique pulp soap not only provides a tangible reminder of the mill, but also contributes to its survival.