Ørholm Mølle

From grain to gunpowder to paper, the story of Ørholm Mølle is a whirlwind of industry. Ørholm Mølle stands as a testament to centuries of adaptation and innovation. Here, on the banks of the Mølåen river, the mill’s history stretches back to the 1370s. Back then, it was simply known as “molendinum Ørewaz,” mentioned in the Roskilde Bishop’s Census Book. The name Ørholm itself appears much later, around 1670. Initially, Ørholm Mølle served as a grain mill, a vital part of the local community. But in 1558, everything changed. The mill was transformed into a gunpowder mill under the ownership of the Danish crown. This was a time of conflict and expansion, and the mill played a key role in supplying gunpowder for the nation’s defense, stored safely in Copenhagen’s Nørreport. Imagine the rhythmic pounding of machinery, the acrid scent of gunpowder hanging in the air. However, disaster struck in 1713 when a massive explosion rocked the mill, claiming two lives and destroying a significant amount of gunpowder. This tragic event marked the end of Ørholm Mølle’s gunpowder production. The resourceful owners didn’t give up. They converted the mill into a copper and ironworks, harnessing the river’s power to drive a massive mechanical hammer. This hammer shaped copper into thin sheets, used to create kettles and other essential household items. In the mid-1700s, the factory director gained a grand new residence: Ørholm House. Some believe that stones from the demolished Søllerød Slot were used in its construction. This beautiful house, though ravaged by fire in the early 2000s, has been meticulously restored to its original splendor and remains a protected historical landmark. But the story of Ørholm Mølle doesn’t end there. In 1793, it underwent yet another transformation, this time into a paper mill. For over a century, the mill churned out print paper, wallpaper, and the distinctive blue wrapping paper. This era saw the mill adopt modern technology like steam power and water turbines. Finally, in 1922, paper production ceased. But the resilient Ørholm Mølle found new life as the home of Lama, a manufacturer of woolen blankets and mattresses, until 1977. Today, the mill’s buildings serve as a storage facility for the National Museum, preserving not only artifacts but also the echoes of a rich and varied past. Ørholm Mølle stands as a silent witness to the ingenuity and adaptability of past generations.