Visiting one of the most famous windmills in the Netherlands is a great way to fully immerse yourself into Dutch history. Windmills played a very important role throughout the country’s industrial past, and there’s lots to learn about these fascinating, picturesque structures.
Here, we share some of the most famous windmills in the Netherlands and the reasons why you should pay them a visit when you next take a ferry to Holland.
See the Netherlands Windmills for yourself in 2023!
1. De Gooyer Windmill, Amsterdam
Located in the old harbour district of Funenkade in Amsterdam, the De Gooyer Windmill is one of the last remaining wooden windmills in the Netherlands. Ideal for tourists who would like to see a windmill but don’t have time to venture out of Amsterdam, De Gooyer boasts a striking octagonal shape and sits atop a stone base which originally belonged to a watermill. Standing at 26.6m in height, De Gooyer is the tallest windmill in the country and, although it isn’t open to tourists, it’s certainly worth a visit during your time in the Dutch capital.
Once you’ve finished marvelling at this impressive structure, pop next door to the Brouwerij ‘t IJ brewery where you can enjoy one of their delicious crafted beers. Not only are you sure to find your new favourite beer here, but you can enjoy tastings, tours, and their large beer garden too!
2. Molen de Valk
Built in 1743, Molen de Valk was the third windmill to be constructed on its site in the city of Leiden. Also known as ‘the falcon’, this mill is within walking distance of the train station, so visiting it during your visit to Leiden is a must. Since 1966, Molen de Valk has been a municipal museum, full of tools, books, and other objects linked to the windmill and those who worked within it. Here, you’ll also find the only miller’s residence in the Netherlands, and can marvel at the furnishings which date back to 1900. The windmill still grinds flour today, so don’t forget to pick up a bag to take home with you as a souvenir!
Once you’ve explored Molen de Valk, treat yourself to lunch or a fresh cup of coffee at nearby De Bruine Boon café. From here, you’ll have great views of the windmill, and you’d be mad to miss out on a slice of their famous apple pie. Following this, discover the rest of Leiden by boat on a relaxing canal cruise.
3. Zaanse Schans windmills
Just to the north of Amsterdam you’ll find Zaanse Schans, a neighbourhood which boasts a collection of brightly coloured windmills alongside traditional cottages and workshops. Many of these windmills were originally located elsewhere in the Netherlands and moved to Zaanse Schans in the 20th century, giving the area an open-air museum feel. Although you can admire the windmills free of charge, it’s definitely worth paying the small entrance fee to see inside at least one of them. Some of the windmills are still in action today, so you can see how they create everything from paint and oils to fragrant spices.
To see the windmills from a different perspective, take a boat tour where you’ll learn all about them from your guide, and take plenty of photos from your position on the water. Once you’ve finished exploring, stop by the bakery museum where you can pick up some delicious Dutch baked goods.
4. Molen de Adriaan
In the romantic city of Haarlem, you’ll find the striking Molen de Adriaan. This windmill was originally built in the 18th century, but was destroyed by fire in the 1930s. Thankfully, it was rebuilt by local citizens, and still forms an important part of the city’s skyline. Set on the banks of the Spaarne river, this is a beautiful place for a walk, and you can enjoy stunning views across Haarlem from the Molen de Adriaan’s platform. Guided tours of the windmill are available, and you can discover all about the important part that windmills have played in the history of the Netherlands’ over the years.
Another wonderful thing about Molen de Adriaan is that you can get married there! The windmill has a wedding hall on its first floor, or you can choose to get married outside next to the river, and you’re guaranteed to get some unique and beautiful wedding photos.
Ready to visit some of the most famous windmills in the Netherlands? Book your Hull to Rotterdam crossing with us today!
