When imagining the Netherlands, one of the first images that likely comes to mind is the iconic windmill, a symbol of Dutch innovation and cultural heritage.
These towering structures, set against a backdrop of clear skies, green fields, and calm waters, offer a glimpse into the history and engineering prowess that helped shape the Netherlands into the country it is today.
For Lykkers who are keen on travel, a visit to the Dutch windmills offers both a peaceful escape and a rich cultural experience.
The Historic Role of Windmills
The history of Dutch windmills dates back to the 13th century when they were primarily used for grinding grain. However, as the landscape of the Netherlands is largely reclaimed land, the windmills also became an essential tool for draining water from the polders (land reclaimed from the sea). The construction of windmills played a vital role in shaping the Dutch landscape, and today, over 1,000 windmills remain, many of which are still functional.
Kinderdijk: The Most Famous Windmill Site
If you're planning a trip to witness Dutch windmills, Kinderdijk is a must-visit destination. Located about 15 kilometers from Rotterdam, Kinderdijk boasts 19 well-preserved windmills that were built in the 18th century. These windmills form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the significance of the Dutch water management system.
Entry Fee: Visiting the windmills is free if you're simply exploring the surrounding landscape. However, if you wish to enter one of the windmills or visit the museum, expect an entry fee of around €9 for adults and €5.50 for children.
Opening Hours: The windmills are accessible year-round, but the museum and windmill tours are typically open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
How to Get There: Trains from Rotterdam Central Station to Kinderdijk take approximately 30 minutes, and from there, a ferry or bus will bring you directly to the site. The cost for public transportation is around €7 per person.
Zaanse Schans: Windmills Close to Amsterdam
For those based in or visiting Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans provides a convenient option to experience traditional windmills. Just a 30-minute train ride from the capital, this village recreates a living open-air museum of Dutch rural life. It features working windmills that still serve their original functions, from grinding spices to sawing wood.
Entry Fee: Similar to Kinderdijk, access to the village itself is free, but certain attractions and windmill tours may charge a small fee, usually around €5 per person.
Opening Hours: The village is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with some individual windmills and museums following slightly different schedules.
How to Get There: A direct train from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaanse Schans costs approximately €5 and takes about 20 minutes.
Tips for Your Windmill Adventure
Bring Comfortable Footwear: Both Kinderdijk and Zaanse Schans are best explored by foot. The scenic routes around the windmills are perfect for a relaxed walk, allowing you to take in the peaceful atmosphere.
Camera Ready: The views of windmills mirrored in canals and fields are breathtaking. Whether it’s the reflection of the windmills in the water or the sweeping Dutch skies, it’s a photographer’s dream.
Pack a Picnic: There are numerous green spots near the windmills where you can enjoy a picnic. It’s a great way to relax and immerse yourself in the serenity of the Dutch countryside.
As a final point
For Lykkers who are looking for a travel experience that blends natural beauty with cultural history, exploring Dutch windmills offers just that. Whether you choose to visit the vast array of windmills in Kinderdijk or the charming, accessible Zaanse Schans near Amsterdam, you're guaranteed to leave with a greater appreciation for Dutch heritage and innovation. The windmills serve as a timeless reminder of how nature and technology can work hand in hand to shape a country’s history.
Dutch Windmill Inside
video by Holland Holiday
Dutch Windmill Inside
video by Holland Holiday
