Standing tall across the country, the most beautiful windmills in the Netherlands, among the country’s most treasured symbols and an important part of its 750-year heritage.
Over the centuries, windmills were used for various purposes, primarily to grind grain, produce oil, and make paint. There are mainly two types of windmills, polder mills and industrial mills, both serving different purposes. While the country has been home to tens of thousands of mills, only 1,200 remain in operation today.
Many of these windmills are open to the public and hold a deep cultural and educational value. While some require an entrance fee, others are free to visit. Ideal to visit for a one-day trip, each of the windmills has something to offer for every history and art enthusiast.
To honour the cultural significance of these structures, De Hollandsche Molen, that is, the Dutch Association of Windmills has been organizing a National Windmill Day every year on the second weekend of May since 1973. On these days, many of the windmills are open to visitors for free, and people can learn a lot about the country’s close association with the mills. This year, the National Windmill Days are on May 9 and 10.
In this article, we will delve into some of the most beautiful windmills in the Netherlands and what each one offers.
Kinderdijk
Location: Nederwaard 1b, Kinderdijk
Opening hours: Till March 5, Friday to Sunday, 10.30 – 16.00
March 6 – November 1, 9.00 – 17.30
November 2 – December 31, 10.30 – 16.00
If you’re visiting the Netherlands and looking to delve into the Dutch culture, your trip is incomplete without a visit to the famous windmills of Kinderdijk. Built between 1738 and 1740, this unique arrangement of 19 windmills is a perfect tribute to the contributions of Dutch ancestors in fighting seawater and keeping the village dry. In 1997, the windmills were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they truly live up to the status.
There are lots of interesting activities to do at the Kinderdijk windmill complex. Some of them are:
- Learn the story of Kinderdijk through an immersive film and exhibition, and discover the village’s sustainable water management system.
- Visit the Wisboom pumping station, built in 1868, and discover how the engines work.
- Take a 30-minute boat tour along the picturesque heritage site and soak in the beauty of the iconic Dutch landscape. This tour requires an entrance ticket.
- Enter the Nederwaard Museum Mill and the Blokweer Museum Mill and learn about their unique history and the families who operated the mills ages ago. Your entrance ticket includes a visit to these mills.
You can also plan an overnight stay at the Kinderdijk village. Do visit their website for advance bookings.
Zaanse Schans
Location: Schansend 7, Zaandam
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 – 17:00 (most locations)
Ever wondered what life was in the 18th and 19th centuries? There’s no other place than the Zaanse Schans village that gives you a better experience! The Zaanse Schans is one of the most attractive towns in the Netherlands, and it is home to many ancient, fully operational windmills. With an entrance ticket, you can dive deeper into the history of each of the mills and discover how wood, flour, spices, and oil have been processed for centuries. You can climb up the mills and enjoy a panoramic view of the village and the beautiful meadows, which make your visit more worthwhile.
Some of the mills that you should absolutely visit are:
- De Kat: Learn all about the techniques of milling paints and pigments in this magnificent mill built in 1664. The mill also processes oils and chalk.
- Het Jonge Schap: A unique six-sided sawmill built in 1680, Het Jonge Schap offers an interesting look at its operation and its rebuilding after being demolished in 1942.
- De Bonte Hen: An octagonal oil processing mill, what makes De Bonte Hen iconic is its history of surviving multiple disasters that many other mills could not. It’s fascinating to learn about the various tools the mill regularly uses to produce oil.
Apart from the windmills, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy, such as a cheese farm, handicraft shops, shipbuilding workshops, and a restaurant serving delicious pancakes.
Molen De Valk
Location: Molenwerf 1, Leiden
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 – 17:00
Built in 1743, Molen De Valk is a smock mill and one of Leiden’s most treasured heritage structures. Out of the 19 windmills of Leiden, only De Valk exists today. Here you’ll not only learn about how the mill operates but also get a glimpse of how it feels to live inside the mill. Take a detailed tour of the mill, starting from the hood, the attic, the grinding loft, and the living space, and get an exclusive look at how miller families used to live in the mills years ago.
Pay a visit to the mill museum and learn more about the extensive history of the now demolished mills of Leiden, how De Valk survived during the world war, and the miller family and their descendants.
The mill is a five-minute walk from Leiden Centraal Station, making it easily accessible by public transport.
Krijtmolen D’Admiraal
Location: Noordhollandschkanaaldijk 21, Amsterdam- Buiksloot
Opening hours: only by appointment
Built in 1792, Krijtmolen D’Admiraal is a chalk mill that serves as one of the most important symbols of the industrial heritage of Amsterdam-North. It is the last remaining wind-powered chalk mill in the world, which makes it more iconic and definitely a must-visit on your list. The mill overlooks the beautiful Noord-Hollands canal and is open to the public on national mill days. On this day, the caretaker or the current miller takes you on a detailed guided tour and explains how the mill works.
For an individual visit, you can book an appointment through their website or email. You can also book the mill to celebrate special occasions or large gatherings.
Museummolen De Walvisch
Location: Westvest 229, Schiedam
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 – 17:00
The beautiful city of Schiedam has some of the tallest windmills in the world, and De Walvisch is one of them. Built in 1794, the smock mill is one of the iconic distillery mills of Schiedam that grounds grains to make jenever (gin). You can also visit the nearby Jenever Museum and learn about the history of Schiedam’s windmills, the distilling process, and the miller’s life. The attic on the top floor offers you a panoramic view of the beautiful city. The educational attic in the mill allows you to grind your own grain, which you can use in your home kitchen.
In February 2018, De Walvisch became a museum mill after the Dutch Mill Association transferred the mill to the Schiedam Mills Foundation. Today, the foundation organizes various exhibitions, workshops, and even a gin-tasting experience. Check their website for further details.
Keukenhof Windmill
Location: Stationsweg 166A, Lisse
Opening hours: March 19 to May 10, 8:00 – 19:00
Who wouldn’t fancy a view of the magical, colorful tulip fields from the top of a windmill? Built in 1892, the town of Keukenhof is known for its world-famous tulip gardens and a windmill that gives you exactly that dreamy experience. Climb up the windmill and absorb the mesmerizing view of the vibrant tulip bulbs.
Access to the windmill is free for Keukenhof garden visitors and is operational only during the tulip season. If you think your trip to Keukenhof is complete without a visit to this windmill, think again!
Molen de Adriaan
Location: Papentorenvest 1A, Haarlem
Opening hours: March 1 – November 1, 10.30 – 17.00
November 2 – February 28, 13:00 – 16:30 (Monday to Friday) and 10:30 – 16:30 (Saturday – Sunday)
Molen de Adriaan is one of the most iconic structures that preserve Haarlem’s culture. Built in 1779 on top of the Goê Vrouw tower by businessman Adriaan de Boois, this mill has undergone several operational changes and ownership changes. Finally, in 2002, it was converted into a museum mill and is now used as a gathering and wedding location. It stands on the banks of the Spaarne River, making it a most serene and perfect spot for family gatherings and weddings.
It is also open to the public, and its hours vary by season. You can book a guided tour of the entire mill and learn more about its history. Climbing to the top floor offers you a stunning view of Haarlem and the Spaarne River. Please check their website for group bookings or special events.
Conclusion
Art enthusiast, history lover, or simply someone seeking a rich cultural experience, these beautiful windmills in the Netherlands are sure to leave you fascinated! Whether you’re here for a leisure visit, a panoramic view of the area, or an educational tour, each of the windmills has something to offer. Your visit to the Netherlands cannot be complete without a trip to these historic structures. Don’t forget to check their websites for any advance appointments, events, or additional information.Special thanks to our sponsorsp
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