Mijn Genoegen, Arnhem

Mill, Museum and Windmill in Arnhem

My Delight Sawmill Arnhem
My Delight Sawmill Arnhem
CC BY-SA 2.0 / bertknot

Mijn Genoegen is a striking white paltrok windmill (a Dutch sawmill design) located inside the Nederlands Openluchtmuseum (Dutch Open Air Museum) in Arnhem, Netherlands. Even if you're not a windmill specialist, it's the kind of landmark that stops you mid-walk: unusual shape, big sails, and a setting that feels made for photos.

Because it sits within the museum park, it's easy to weave into a self-guided walking loop or a guided museum walking tour. For the best views, approach it from a distance first to appreciate the full silhouette, then circle closer to spot the details that explain how the sawmill mechanism would have worked.

History and Significance of the Mijn Genoegen

Mijn Genoegen is closely tied to the story of Dutch craft and industry, especially timber processing. As a paltrok sawmill, it represents a specialized type of windmill built to convert wind power into the steady, repetitive motion needed for sawing wood.

The mill’s history is also a story of preservation. It was moved and re-erected as part of the Open Air Museum’s mission to safeguard historic buildings and working technology, giving visitors a chance to see not just a “pretty mill,” but a piece of engineering heritage.

It also carries a wartime chapter: the Arnhem area saw heavy fighting during World War II, and the museum grounds were not untouched by that history. Today, the mill stands as a reminder of how cultural landmarks can be damaged, restored, and reinterpreted for new generations.

Things to See and Do in the Mijn Genoegen

Start by walking a slow circle around the mill to understand its structure: paltrok mills have a distinctive, low-slung, practical form compared with the taller tower mills many travelers picture. Look for the relationship between the body, the sails, and the working area where sawing demonstrations may take place.

If you visit on a day when the mill is staffed, it becomes far more than a photo stop. Seeing the components up close makes the mechanics click, and it’s one of the most satisfying “how does this work?” moments in the museum—especially for anyone who likes hands-on engineering, tools, or traditional crafts.

Finally, treat it as a photography anchor point for your museum route. The clean white exterior and bold lines photograph well in soft light, and it pairs nicely with nearby historic buildings and landscapes for a varied set of shots in one area.

How to Get to the Mijn Genoegen

The nearest major airports are Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Eindhoven Airport (EIN), and Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), all with onward connections to Arnhem. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Arnhem on Booking.com.

Arnhem is well connected by rail, and arriving at Arnhem Centraal makes it straightforward to continue by local transport or taxi toward the Nederlands Openluchtmuseum. Train tickets and schedules are available directly through NS Dutch Railways and NS International for international services. However, for a smoother experience, we recommend using Omio, which simplifies the booking process and lets you compare prices and schedules all in one place.

If you're driving, Arnhem is easy to reach via the Dutch motorway network, and paid parking is available at the museum.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Mijn Genoegen

  • Official website: https://www.openluchtmuseum.nl/
  • Entrance fee: Adults (13+): €20 weekdays / €24 weekends, public holidays & school holidays; Children (4–12): €15 weekdays / €17.50 weekends, public holidays & school holidays; Children (0–3): free.
  • Opening hours: (Winter) December 6 – January 18: Daily: 10:00–17:00; Saturday – Sunday: 10:00–18:00. (Low season) February 14 – March 27: Daily: 11:00–16:00. (Summer) March 28 – October 25: Daily: 10:00–17:00.
  • Best time to visit: Go earlier in the day for calmer paths and cleaner photo angles; golden hour light can be beautiful if your museum timing allows.
  • How long to spend: Plan 15–30 minutes for photos and a walk-around; add extra time if you catch a staffed moment or demonstration.
  • Accessibility: Paths in the museum park are generally manageable, but surfaces can vary; check with the museum if you need step-free routing to specific buildings.
  • Facilities: Use the Open Air Museum’s restrooms, cafés, and indoor exhibits to break up your visit, especially in colder or rainy weather.

Where to Stay Close to the Mijn Genoegen

The best area to base yourself is central Arnhem near Arnhem Centraal for easy trains, dining, and quick connections to the museum.

Holiday Inn Express Arnhem A practical, good-value pick near the station—ideal if you want a simple base and an easy start for day trips.

Hotel Haarhuis A classic central stay right by Arnhem Centraal, great for travelers who want comfort and a strong location for transport.

NH Arnhem Rijnhotel Chosen for its riverside setting and quieter feel while still being close to the city—nice after a full day walking the museum park.

Boutique Hotel The Church A characterful boutique option in the city center, good if you prefer a memorable stay with a local vibe.

Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem A convenient choice if you’re arriving by car and want easy parking and space, with quick access to the museum area.

Is the Mijn Genoegen Worth Visiting?

Yes—especially if you're already visiting the Nederlands Openluchtmuseum. Mijn Genoegen is one of those attractions that works on multiple levels: it's visually distinctive, it photographs beautifully, and it adds real depth to the museum's story of Dutch craft and technology.

Honest Pivot: if you’re not planning to enter the Open Air Museum and you’re short on time, it may not be worth a special detour on its own. It shines most as part of a broader museum day where you can pair it with other historic buildings, workshops, and exhibits.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (10)

Visitors are very positive overall, describing Mijn Genoegen as a distinctive and beautiful windmill that's especially rewarding for photographers. Several reviews highlight how interesting and educational it is, with clear views of the mechanical workings. A minor downside is that it can feel like a quick stop if you don't catch a staffed moment or demonstration.

Jos Hendriks
8 months ago
"A very unique mill. Beautiful to see. It will certainly attract many a photographer."
Michael Kulbe
a year ago
"Beautiful to look at😊👍"
Eddy Roelofs
2 years ago
"Here you can clearly see how all the mechanical parts work."

For Different Travelers

Mijn Genoegen is easy to enjoy in a quick pass, but it rewards visitors who slow down and look closely. Because it's both scenic and technical, it fits a wide range of travel styles—from casual walkers to detail-obsessed tinkerers.

Families with Kids

Kids often respond well to the sheer size and movement potential of a windmill, and this one has a particularly unusual shape that sparks questions. Pair it with other hands-on stops in the museum so the day doesn’t become “just looking at buildings.”

If you can time your route for a staffed moment, it becomes far more engaging for children. Turning “that’s a windmill” into “this is how it sawed wood” makes the visit stick.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Mijn Genoegen is a strong photo stop in a setting that feels calm and scenic. It's easy to build a relaxed museum-day itinerary around it, with café breaks and slow wandering.

If you like travel photography together, use the mill as a backdrop and then explore nearby lanes and historic houses for a cohesive set of images. It’s a simple way to make a museum visit feel like a mini escape.

Budget Travelers

As part of the Open Air Museum, this is a high-value sight because you’re getting a full park of experiences rather than paying for a single small attraction. Budget travelers can focus on the outdoor route and pick a few “must-see” interiors.

To keep costs down, consider visiting on a weekday when prices can be lower, and plan your breaks strategically so you’re not constantly buying snacks. A well-timed visit can feel like a full-day experience without extra add-ons.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate that the mill isn’t presented as a standalone object—it’s part of a larger narrative about Dutch life, work, and technology. The context of the museum makes it easier to understand why a sawmill windmill mattered.

Look for interpretive details that connect the mill to timber, building, and trade. It’s a satisfying example of how engineering and everyday life shaped the Netherlands.

FAQs for Visiting Mijn Genoegen

Getting There

It’s located inside the Nederlands Openluchtmuseum rather than in the city center. Plan for local transport or a taxi from Arnhem Centraal.
Yes, Arnhem is well connected by train, and you can continue to the museum using local options. It’s a straightforward day out without driving.
It’s possible but not the most efficient option for many travelers. If you’re trying to maximize museum time, use local transport instead.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s part of the Nederlands Openluchtmuseum visit. Your museum admission covers access to the mill area.
Yes, museum ticket prices can vary by weekday versus weekend/holiday periods. Check the museum’s ticket shop before you go.
In many cases yes, but online purchase is often recommended for smoother entry. Booking ahead also helps you plan around busy periods.

Visiting Experience

Not necessarily—staffing and demonstrations can be periodic. Even when it’s not active, it’s still worth seeing for its design and setting.
Focus on the mill’s unusual paltrok structure and the working areas that explain its sawmill purpose. It’s a great “how it works” stop.
It can be either. You can enjoy it in 10 minutes, or linger longer if you’re into mechanics and craft details.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes—use it as a landmark to structure your route through nearby buildings and workshops. It’s an easy anchor point for navigation.
No, but a guided approach can add context if you want more storytelling. Self-guided works well if you like to explore at your own pace.
Combine it with craft demonstrations and historic homes to balance “technology” with “daily life.” That mix keeps the day varied.

Photography

Earlier in the day is often quieter, and softer light can flatter the white exterior. Overcast weather can also reduce harsh shadows.
Yes—step back for a full silhouette shot, then move around to find cleaner backgrounds. Patience pays off in popular areas.
Usually yes, and detail shots are part of the fun here. Be mindful of barriers and any staff instructions during demonstrations.

Accessibility & Facilities

Yes, the Open Air Museum has visitor facilities across the park. Plan a restroom stop before you start a longer walking loop.
Much of the park is accessible, but surfaces and distances can vary. If you have specific needs, confirm the best route with the museum.
Yes, you can use indoor exhibits and cafés as weather breaks. This is especially helpful in winter or during showers.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the museum has places to eat and drink within the park. It’s easy to plan a break without leaving the grounds.
Bringing a small snack can be helpful, especially with kids or if you’re pacing your spending. Just follow museum rules for eating areas.
If you want uninterrupted exploring, eat beforehand and plan one café stop inside. If you prefer a relaxed pace, build lunch into your route.

Safety & Timing

Yes, but dress for wind and wet paths. The museum is outdoors-heavy, so warm layers and good shoes make a big difference.
Arriving near opening time helps you enjoy quieter paths and better photo opportunities. It also gives you flexibility if you want to see more of the museum.
Shift your route toward indoor exhibits and cafés, then return outside when it clears. A flexible loop works best here.

Nearby Attractions to the Mijn Genoegen

  • Nederlands Openluchtmuseum: The wider museum park is the main companion attraction, with historic buildings, crafts, and seasonal programming.
  • Burgers' Zoo: A major zoo nearby that's easy to pair with Arnhem for a full day or weekend.
  • Park Sonsbeek: A beloved city park for walking, viewpoints, and a relaxed break from museums.
  • Airborne Museum at Hartenstein (Oosterbeek): A powerful WWII museum close to Arnhem with strong local history context.
  • John Frost Bridge: An iconic Arnhem landmark tied to Operation Market Garden and great for a reflective walk.

The Mijn Genoegen appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Arnhem!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Winter) December 6 - January 18: Daily: 10:00-17:00; Saturday - Sunday: 10:00-18:00.

(Low season) February 14 - March 27: Daily: 11:00-16:00.

(Summer) March 28 - October 25: Daily: 10:00-17:00.

Price:

Adults (13+): €20 weekdays / €24 weekends, public holidays & school holidays; Children (4-12): €15 weekdays / €17.50 weekends, public holidays & school holidays; Children (0-3): free.

Address: Netherlands Open Air Museum, Schelmseweg 89, 6816 SG Arnhem, Netherlands
Arnhem: 3 km
Official Website

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