The windmills of Holland offer more than just picture-perfect views—they provide a rich narrative of the country’s past. They were originally built to drain water from low-lying lands, grind grain, and produce goods like oil and paint. But today they stand as stunning landmarks, offering visitors a chance to witness centuries-old engineering and learn about Holland’s battle against the sea. Here are the best windmills to visit when in Holland.
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Amsterdam
While Amsterdam is famous for its urban charm, its windmills offer a fascinating link to the country’s heritage. Scattered throughout the city and its outskirts, these historic landmarks offer a glimpse into the Netherlands’ rich past. From city-center icons like De Gooyer to hidden gems like Riekermolen, each windmill tells a unique story.
De Gooyer: The Iconic City Windmill
Standing tall in the heart of Amsterdam, De Gooyer is the city’s most famous windmill. This striking wooden structure is the tallest of its kind in the Netherlands. While the windmill itself open to the public, you can admire its beauty while enjoying a locally brewed beer at Brouwerij ‘t IJ, the popular brewery next door. Grab a drink, soak in the atmosphere, and snap some pics! De Gooyer is the closest windmill to the canal ring and is located at Funenkade 5.
Molen van Sloten: A Windmill Open to Visitors
If you want to step inside a working windmill, Molen van Sloten is your best bet. This fully operational polder mill sits on the outskirts of Amsterdam and welcomes visitors with guided tours. Learn about its history, discover how windmills help with water management, and see the inner workings up close. It’s a fantastic way to dive into Dutch engineering and heritage! Molen van Sloten is located between the city center and the airport at Akersluis 10.
Marion Golsteijn, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Riekermolen: A Windmill by the Amstel
For a postcard-perfect view, visit Riekermolen, located along the Amstel River. Built in 1636, this charming windmill is especially stunning at sunrise or sunset, making it a favorite spot for photographers. Nearby, you’ll find a statue of Rembrandt, as he once sketched landscapes in this very area. Pack a picnic, take a leisurely walk along the river, and enjoy one of Amsterdam’s most serene locations. Riekermolen is located south of city center by Amstel Park at De Borcht 10.
Krijtmolen d’Admiraal: An Industrial Windmill
Unlike most windmills designed for grain milling, Krjtmolen d’Admiraal in North Amsterdam was built for grinding chalk and trass (a type of volcanic ash). This industrial windmill offers a different perspective. While it’s not open to the public, you can admire it from the outside and explore the surrounding area. Kritmolen d’ Admiraal is located north of city center at Noordhollandschkanaaldijk 21.
De Otter: A Historic Sawmill
One of the last remaining sawmills in Amsterdam, De Otter dates back to the 17th century. Once part of a thriving lumber industry, this historic windmill is a testament to Amsterdam’s trade and craftsmanship. Though not always accessible to visitors, it’s worth passing by to appreciate its history. De Otter is located west of city center, and just a 20 minute walk from the Anne Frank House, at Gillis van Ledenberchstraat 78.
Kinderdijk
The moment you set foot in Kinderdijk you’ll feel as though you’ve entered a painting. Rows of 18th-century windmills stand tall along the waterways with their reflections shimmering in the still waters. This UNESCO World Heritage site features 19 windmills. These windmills, built in the 1700s, have played a crucial role in water management, preventing flooding in the low-lying lands of the Netherlands.
The best way to take in the views is by walking or biking along the scenic paths on a self-guided audio tour. Many of the windmills are still operational, and a few are open to visitors. Step inside the mills to see the intricate wooden mechanisms at work. Learn about the millers who once lived here and experience firsthand how these structures have withstood the test of time.
For an unforgettable view, hop on a boat tour that meanders through the canals. From the water, you’ll get a stunning panoramic perspective of the windmills and countryside. The slow, peaceful journey is perfect for soaking in the historic atmosphere and capturing some Insta-worthy photos.
To deepen your understanding of Kinderdijk’s history, head to the Wisboom pumping station to witness the impressive flywheels and engine room. Interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations showcase how Dutch ingenuity has shaped water management for centuries at the floating exhibition on the barge ‘Alles Heeft een Tijd. For extra fun, schedule your visit on Windmill Day!
Getting to Kinderdijk
You can get to Kinderdik in less than 30 minutes by car from Rotterdam. If you are using public transportation, it takes three times that long but is still a pretty easy trip. From Rotterdam Centraal, take the #3 to Beverwaad and then the #489 to Alblasserdam. You can hike or bike the final mile upon arrival. If coming from Amsterdam, simply take the Intercity line 2316 toward Vlissingen and disembark in Rotterdam. This adds an hour to the journey but it’s worth it if you are staying in Amsterdam. There are also several guided tours from Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
Zaanse Schans
If you’re looking for the perfect Dutch experience, Zaanse Schans is the place to be! This historic 18th and 19th century village brings the Netherlands’ past to life. Explore beautifully preserved windmills, each with its unique purpose, from grinding spices to sawing wood. Enjoy hands-on experiences and watching artisans craft traditional goods.
The moment you arrive at Zaanse Schans, you’re transported to a different era. The air hums with the creak of wooden windmills, the scent of fresh stroopwafels drifts through the air, and the sight of lush green fields lined with centuries-old windmills is simply mesmerizing. Each windmill has a unique story, once grinding spices, sawing timber, or producing oil.
Exploring Zaanse Schans
Take a stroll or rent a bike to explore the picturesque pathways. Many windmills are still operational, and you can step inside to see them at work. Learn from the millers who continue the centuries-old craft and watch these engineering marvels spin in the Dutch breeze.
Hop on the Windmillhopper, a boat tour along the Zaan River. The gentle ride offers stunning panoramic views of the windmills and the vibrant countryside. It’s a relaxing way to soak in the beauty of this historic region. The third Thursday of August is Folklore Day, when the village is even livelier with music and dance!
Beyond the windmills, Zaanse Schans is a hub of Dutch heritage. Check out the museum for a deep dive into Dutch history. Visit the clog-making workshop to watch skilled artisans carve wooden shoes or step into a cheese farm to sample some of the best Dutch cheeses. Grab a souvenir and don’t forget to visit the local bakeries for a taste of traditional Dutch sweets!
Getting to Zaanse Schans
From Amsterdam Centraal, you can easily hop on the Sprinter 7416 toward Uitgeest. Hop off at Zaandik Zaanse Schans and walk, bike, or take a bicycle taxi the last ¾ mile to the site. Or, honesty, the easiest way to tour Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam is on a group or private guided tour. These are relatively affordable and sometimes it is nice to have someone else figure it all out for you!
Schiedam
For a windmill experience like no other, head to Schiedam, home to the tallest windmills in the world! Located just outside Rotterdam, this historic city boasts breathtaking views, rich heritage, and a deep connection to Dutch gin, or jenever.
Schiedam’s historic windmills are true giants, reaching heights of up to 33 meters (108 feet). Built in the 18th and 19th centuries, these towering structures were designed to support the booming jenever industry, grinding grain for the distilleries. Today, they stand as proud monuments to the city’s past and are open for exploration.
Unlike many other windmill sites, Schiedam’s windmills are fully integrated into the cityscape. Visit one of the open mills to witness the inner workings of these engineering marvels. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the charming city below and learn about the vital role wind energy played in powering Schiedam’s distilleries.
Explore the Historic City Center
Beyond the windmills, Schiedam is a delight to explore. Wander the picturesque canals, admire the well-preserved historic buildings, and stop by one of the many jenever distilleries for a tasting. The National Jenever Museum offers an immersive dive into the city’s distilling heritage, making it a perfect complement to a windmill tour.
For a relaxing experience, take a boat tour along Schiedam’s canals. The waterway perspective offers fantastic views of the towering windmills and the city’s charming streets.
Getting to Schiedam
From Rotterdam, take the Intercity 2291 toward Amsterdam. You will arrive in Schiedam in just five minutes. From Amsterdam Centraal, take the Intercity 2316 toward Vissingen. Hop off about an hour and ten minutes later in Schiedam. These windmills are really easy to visit from either city!
Make the Most of Your Windmill Adventure
- Self-guided walking or biking tours are the best way to explore the windmills at your own pace.
- Cruise through canals lined with windmills for an unforgettable perspective.
- Take guided tours to understand windmill mechanics, history, and cultural significance.
- Photograph the rustic charm of windmills, especially during sunrise or sunset when the soft light creates magical reflections on the water.
- Participate in seasonal festivals that celebrate windmill heritage with music, food, and traditional crafts.
- Visit local markets and cafes near windmill sites to enjoy authentic Dutch snacks like poffertjes (mini pancakes) and stroopwafels.
- Dress comfortably for walking tours and pack layers as the weather can change quickly.
- Don’t forget a camera to capture breathtaking scenes.
Plan Your Trip to See the Windmills of Holland
The windmills of Holland are enchanting year-round, but visiting in spring or early autumn offers the best weather and fewer crowds. To see the windmills in action, check for special events, like National Windmill Day in May, when some mills are actively grinding grain.
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