🌬️ Tour of Dutch Windmills

When we think of windmills, we immediately think of the Netherlands, famous for these structures. Originally used for functional purposes, these windmills are now primarily used for tourism.

In some regions of the Netherlands, villages are known for their more than ten historic windmills. These windmills are usually located in the polders where the Kinderdijk, Lek, and Noord rivers meet.

Since 1740, no fewer than 19 windmills have been built to drain the area. This network forms the largest windmill network in the Netherlands.

🛖 Village of Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans owes its name to the Zaan River, which flows nearby. It is said that there once were nearly 600 windmills in the area. Today, only ten remain.

These windmills were used for industrial purposes, such as:

Water drainage

Oil production

Paint production

Storage and warehouses

The village is known as a typical Dutch village and is famous for its proximity to Amsterdam.

Transportation is available by train or local bus.

The windmills here were built in the 17th century, and many still stand today.

🏞️ Kinderdijk Park

Kinderdijk is known as the largest windmill park in the Netherlands.

There are 19 windmills in this area.

These windmills were built in the 18th century to pump water.

Today:

People live in the windmills.

One of the best places for visitors to take photos.

Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.

🏛️ Molen de Adriaan

Haarlem and surroundings

The interior is a museum.

Destroyed by a hurricane, then rebuilt.

Easily accessible by train.

The museum contains very detailed information about windmills.

♨️ The New Palm Tree

33 meters high

As tall as an 11-story building.

Located in Schiedam, near Rotterdam.

Used for grinding grain.

Accessible by train or bus.

It is recommended to take photos here before you leave.

🏰 De Valk Windmill (Leiden)

In Leiden.

Built in 1743.

The sails are still actively grinding flour.

Accessible by train from Amsterdam and Rotterdam. It’s possible

Within walking distance

Surroundings:

Old castle, canals where swans swim, historical artifacts, and a museum with personal Dutch objects

Visitors can:

Visit the museum

Take photos of the windmill from the outside

Discover the beauty of Leiden

🏭 De Dikkert (Amstelveen)

Originally located in Zaandam, later moved to Amstelveen

After the move, the mill was used as a corn mill

There is a restaurant inside

Dining in the restaurant can be a unique experience for visitors

Accessible by train

⚓ De Gooyer (Amsterdam)

Located in Amsterdam’s old harbor

One of the last wooden windmills

Built in the 19th century and still standing

The sails are turned every first Saturday of the month

It is definitely recommended to wait for this day to visit

⚙️ Yel Where are What are windmills used for?

Windmills, powered by wind, are used for the following purposes:

Pumping water

Grinding corn and grain

Generation of electricity

Grinding spices and herbs

Storage/warehousing

In recent years, mainly for tourism purposes

📅 National Visitor Days

The second Saturday and Sunday of May are celebrated as National Windmill Days.

On these days, you can visit hundreds of windmills for free.

A windmill with a blue flag means it is open to visitors.

🧭 How many windmills are there in the Netherlands?

There are more than 1,000 windmills in the Netherlands.

In Kinderdijk: 19

In Zaanse Schans: 10

In some areas, single or multiple windmills are grouped together.

🚌 Tour Duration & Experience

The Dutch countryside and windmill tour lasts approximately 7 hours in total. During the tour:

Cheese tasting at a cheese dairy

Clog-making demonstration

Self-guided exploration of the interior of a working windmill

Free time for sightseeing and lunch in villages (fish restaurants available, not included)