Last updated on December 3rd, 2024
Windmills are a Dutch icon, and you’ll find these charming structures dotting the landscape across the Netherlands. If you’re keen to see these historic marvels up close, you’re in for a treat. The best places to see windmills in the Netherlands are Kinderdijk, Zaanse Schans, Schiedam, and Schermerhorn.
Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 19 windmills, making it the largest concentration in the country. It’s a picture-perfect spot that’ll transport you back in time.
Zaanse Schans, near Amsterdam, is another top choice with 10 windmills. You can step inside many of them and even watch demonstrations of how they work. This is probably the site for the best windmills in the Netherlands in terms of variety.
If you want to see the tallest windmills, head on over to Schiedam, where 8 mills were used to grind grains for jenever.
For a less crowded experience, check out De Schermer with its 3 still-standing windmills.
Visit during National Windmill Day, held every second weekend in May. You’ll see many windmills in action and join in local celebrations.
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History of Windmills in the Netherlands
Windmills shaped Dutch history and culture for centuries. These iconic structures played a key role in the country’s development and remain an important symbol today.
Early Beginnings and Evolution
Windmills first appeared in the Netherlands around the 1200s. They started as simple structures used to grind grain. Dutch engineers improved the design over time. By the 1600s, windmills could do many jobs. They pumped water to drain land, sawed wood, and made paper.
The Dutch Golden Age in the 1600s saw windmills reach their peak. Over 10,000 dotted the landscape! Each type had a special purpose. Hollow post mills ground grain, while tower mills drained water from low-lying areas.
Role in Dutch Culture
Windmills became more than just tools. They were a source of pride for Dutch communities. Millers were respected members of society. Many towns grew around their local windmill.
You can see windmills in lots of old Dutch paintings. They show up in family crests too. Even today, you’ll spot windmills on Dutch souvenirs and company logos.
The Netherlands is home to numerous windmills that you can explore. A blue flag flying from a windmill indicates that it is open to visitors.
Preservation Efforts
By the 1900s, modern tech made most windmills obsolete. Many fell into disrepair. But the Dutch didn’t want to lose this part of their heritage. In the 1920s, people started working to save them.
Today, about 1,200 windmills still exist in the Netherlands. Volunteers and foundations keep them running. Some work as museums where you can learn old milling techniques.
The government helps too by giving money to fix up old windmills. There’s even a school that teaches people how to be millers!
Windmill Types and Technologies
Dutch windmills come in different shapes and sizes. Each type has its own special features and uses. Let’s look at the main kinds you’ll see in the Netherlands.
Ground Sailors and Tower Mills
Ground sailors are the oldest type of Dutch windmill. You’ll spot them by their short, wide bodies that sit close to the ground. These mills can’t catch as much wind, but they’re easy to build and maintain.
Tower mills stand tall and proud. You’ll see their round, stone or brick towers from far away. They have a cap on top that turns to face the wind. This design lets them work well even in areas with buildings or trees nearby.
Visit Zaanse Schans to see both types side by side!
Polder Mills and Smocks
Polder mills are the heroes of Dutch water management. You’ll find them near low-lying areas called polders. These mills pump water out to keep the land dry for farming and living. Some polder mills can move over 60,000 liters of water per minute!
Smock mills look like they’re wearing a big skirt. You’ll know them by their octagonal (8-sided) shape. The top part turns to catch the wind, while the bottom stays still. Smocks are great for grinding grain into flour.
Modern Wind Turbines
Today’s wind turbines are the high-tech cousins of old Dutch mills. You’ll see them dotting the countryside and offshore. They have tall towers and huge blades that spin to make electricity.
These new turbines are much bigger than traditional windmills. Some can power thousands of homes! They’re a key part of the Netherlands’ push for clean energy. The biggest offshore wind farm in the Netherlands can power over 1 million homes!
Top Destinations for Windmill Viewing
The Netherlands has several amazing places to see windmills up close. These spots showcase the country’s iconic structures in beautiful settings.
Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage Site
Kinderdijk is windmill heaven. This area near Rotterdam has an impressive 19 windmills from the 1700s. They’re lined up along canals and it’s a stunning view. The serene landscape, with its tranquil waterways and lush green fields, provides a perfect backdrop for these historic structures with their rhythmic turning of the sails. This site is a perfect contrast to Rotterdam’s architectural gems.
You can walk or bike around to see the windmills and take advantage of numerous vantage points for capturing stunning photographs. I suggest that you visit in the early morning for misty, magical photos. The light is perfect then.
The visitor center has info on how the Dutch used windmills to manage water in the Alblasserwaard polder, showcasing their innovative approach. Interactive displays, films, and exhibits provide a comprehensive understanding of how the windmills worked together to keep the land dry. You’ll understand the mills’ pivotal role in Dutch history.
For a unique perspective, consider taking a boat tour along the canals, which offers unobstructed views of the windmills and the surrounding landscape.
One of the highlights of visiting Kinderdijk is the opportunity to step inside some of the windmills and see their inner workings. The Museum Windmill Nederwaard and the Museum Windmill Blokweer are open to the public and provide fascinating insights into the lives of the millers and their families. Inside, you’ll find well-preserved living quarters, original machinery, and informative exhibits detailing the history and engineering behind these remarkable structures. Knowledgeable guides are often available to share stories and answer questions, making the experience both educational and engaging.
If you’re looking for an authentic quintessential windmill scene in the Netherlands, Kinderdijk is a must-visit destination. Its combination of historical significance, stunning scenery, and immersive experiences makes it one of the best places to see windmills in the Netherlands.
Zaanse Schans Open Air Museum
Just outside Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans is an easy day trip from the city. It is a picturesque open-air museum that offers visitors a quintessential Dutch experience and has 10 working windmills you can explore. It gets busy, so go early if you can.
The windmills at Zaanse Schans are the main attraction, and for good reason. Each windmill has its own unique history and purpose, from sawing wood and grinding spices to producing oil and pigments. As you stroll along the scenic pathways, you’ll be greeted by the sight of these majestic structures, their sails turning gracefully in the wind. Some of the most notable windmills include De Kat, a working dye mill, and De Zoeker, an oil mill. Visitors can enter several of these windmills to see the intricate machinery up close and learn about their specific functions through informative displays and demonstrations.
Beyond the windmills, Zaanse Schans offers a wealth of activities and attractions that provide a deeper understanding of Dutch culture and traditions. The village is dotted with artisan workshops where you can watch craftsmen at work, creating everything from wooden clogs to traditional Dutch cheese. There are beautifully preserved traditional wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Zaans Museum is another highlight, offering an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that delve into the region’s industrial past and the everyday lives of its inhabitants. For a truly immersive experience, consider taking a guided tour or a boat ride along the Zaan River, which offers stunning views of the windmills and the surrounding countryside.
Zaanse Schans is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a delight for the senses. The village is home to several charming cafes and restaurants where you can savor traditional Dutch cuisine, from hearty pea soup to freshly baked stroopwafels. The combination of historical architecture, scenic beauty, and cultural richness makes Zaanse Schans a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the famous windmills in Holland.
The Windmills of Schiedam
Situated in the charming town of Schiedam, just a stone’s throw from Rotterdam, the Schiedam windmills are a worthwhile visit for anyone seeking to explore the best windmills in the Netherlands. The town once had 20 windmills. Now, five remain.
Known for their impressive height, these windmills are among the tallest in the world, with some reaching up to 33 meters (108 feet). Originally built in the 18th and 19th centuries, these monumental structures were designed to mill grain for the local gin industry, which was thriving at the time. Today, they stand as proud symbols of Schiedam’s rich industrial heritage.
As you wander through Schiedam, you’ll be captivated by the sight of these towering windmills dominating the skyline, each with its own distinct character and charm. You can climb up inside De Nieuwe Palmboom windmill for great views. The most famous among them is De Nolet, a modern wind turbine built in 2006 disguised as a traditional Dutch mill. It stands at an impressive 42.5 meters (139 feet). Although it was constructed to power a distillery, its design pays homage to the traditional windmills of the region.
One of the highlights of visiting Schiedam is the opportunity to tour the interiors of these windmills. Many of them have been meticulously restored and are open to the public, offering a fascinating insight into their original functions and the lives of the millers who operated them. Inside, you’ll find well-preserved mechanisms, informative exhibits, and sometimes even working machinery. Knowledgeable guides are often on hand to provide engaging tours, sharing stories and anecdotes that bring the history of these remarkable structures to life.
In addition to the windmills themselves, Schiedam boasts a vibrant cultural scene with plenty of attractions to explore. The town’s picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cozy cafes create a welcoming atmosphere that invites visitors to linger and enjoy the surroundings.
A visit to the Jenever Museum, dedicated to the history of gin production in Schiedam, is a perfect complement to your windmill tour. Here, you can learn about the town’s gin-making heritage and even sample some locally-produced spirits.
The Schermer Mills
Nestled in the scenic North Holland region, the Schermerhorn windmills are a captivating destination for anyone wanting to see windmills in the least touristy setting possible. These historic windmills, part of the Schermer Polder, offer a glimpse into the Netherlands’ rich agricultural heritage and the ingenious engineering that has kept the land dry for centuries. Visiting the Schermerhorn Windmills is not just about seeing beautiful structures; it’s about understanding the vital role these windmills played in Dutch history.
The Schermerhorn windmills are part of a larger network of 11 polder mills, originally built in the 17th century to drain the Schermer Polder. Today, three of these windmills have been beautifully preserved and are open to the public. As you approach the site, the sight of these majestic windmills standing tall against the flat Dutch landscape is truly breathtaking. The area is serene, with lush green fields stretching out as far as the eye can see, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
One of the highlights of visiting the Schermerhorn windmills is the opportunity to tour the interior of one of these historical structures, which has been turned into a museum. Inside, you’ll find well-preserved mechanisms and exhibits that explain how the windmills functioned to pump water and manage the water levels in the polder. You’ll get fascinating insights into the daily lives of millers and the technical marvels of the windmill’s construction.
Climbing to the top of the windmill offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, a rewarding experience that underscores the ingenuity and beauty of Dutch windmill engineering.
Two Windmills in Leiden
While Leiden may not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking of a windmill site, it offers a charming and less crowded alternative to the more famous sites. The city is home to two beautifully preserved windmills: Molen de Valk and Molen de Put.
Molen de Valk, an impressive tower mill dating back to 1743, now serves as a museum where visitors can explore its seven floors and learn about the milling process and the life of the miller. Molen de Put, a picturesque post mill originally built in 1619 and reconstructed in 1987, stands proudly near the historic city center.
Visiting these windmills in Leiden provides a unique opportunity to delve into Dutch history and enjoy the serene beauty of this vibrant university town, making it a delightful secondary location for windmill enthusiasts. Use our guide to Leiden that includes both these mills in a one day itinerary.
Best Solo Windmills
Located along the Spaarne River in Haarlem, the De Adriaan iconic windmill was originally built in 1779 and rebuilt in 2002 after a fire in 1932. It provides guided tours that explore its rich history and milling process. Climbing to the top offers stunning panoramic views of Haarlem’s historic city center and the river. De Adriaan also hosts various cultural events and workshops throughout the year, making it a must-visit for history buffs and photography enthusiasts alike.
If you’re stopping in Amsterdam for a flying visit and don’t have time to venture out to the main windmill sites like Kinderdijk or Zaanse Schans, the De Gooyer windmill offers a good alternative right in Amsterdam. This iconic octagonal wooden windmill, the tallest of its kind in the Netherlands, dates back to the 16th century and stands proudly in the eastern part of Amsterdam. Conveniently located next to the Brouwerij ‘t IJ brewery, it provides a perfect spot to enjoy a local beer while soaking in a piece of Dutch history. You can’t go inside, but it’s a great spot for photos in Amsterdam.
Viewing the Keukenhof windmill at Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse in the springtime is a delightful experience. Nestled among the vibrant and expansive flower displays in the spring, it is one of the most beautiful windmills in the Netherlands and offers a picturesque backdrop that perfectly complements the stunning gardens. It was originally built as a polder mill in Groningen in 1892 and later moved to Keukenhof. Visitors can climb up to the viewing platform of the windmill, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding tulip fields and the beautifully landscaped gardens.
Visiting Windmills: Tips and Best Practices
Planning your windmill trip takes a bit of know-how. You’ll want to time it right and mind your manners. Here’s what you need to know:
Best Time of Year to Visit
Spring and fall are great times to see Dutch windmills. The weather is mild, and crowds are smaller than in summer. April and May bring colorful tulip fields near some windmill sites. This makes for amazing photos. Fall brings harvest festivals to many windmill sites. You can taste fresh bread and local produce while enjoying traditional music and dance.
Avoid winter if you can. Many windmills close or have limited hours from November to March. The cold and rain can make outdoor exploring less fun too.
Summer is busy but lively. You’ll see working windmills in action and maybe catch a festival. Book ahead if you want to join a tour during peak season (June-August).
Visit during National Windmill Day, held every second weekend in May. You’ll see many windmills in action and join in local celebrations.
Etiquette and Sustainability
Respect the windmills and their surroundings. These are historic sites, not playgrounds. Stay on marked paths and don’t climb on structures.
Many windmills are still private homes. Don’t peek in windows or enter without permission.
Consider biking between windmills if you can. It’s eco-friendly and lets you see more of the countryside.
Buy local products at windmill gift shops. This supports preservation efforts and gives you a tasty souvenir.
Contributions to Renewable Energy
The Netherlands is a leader in wind power, using its famous windmills to generate clean energy. You can learn about this eco-friendly technology at several interesting sites around the country.
Modern wind turbines dot the Dutch landscape, carrying on the legacy of traditional windmills. These sleek giants produce a big chunk of the country’s electricity. In 2023, the Netherlands produced 29 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity from wind. The total capacity of wind turbines in the country reached 11 gigawatts (GW). That’s enough to light up millions of homes!
You’ll spot wind farms both on land and offshore. The country aims to boost wind energy even more in coming years. It’s a key part of their plan to fight climate change. As you travel, keep an eye out for these towering turbines. They’re not just for show – they’re working hard to keep the lights on in a green way.
