Explore Amsterdam windmills and make memories that will last a lifetime. From the historic De Gooyer to the scenic Zaanse Schans, these iconic landmarks are perfect for capturing unforgettable moments. We’ve handpicked various options!
De Gooyer Molen (1609)
Long story short:
The tallest wooden windmill in the Netherlands! Close to the city center, you can’t go inside, but you can explore a nice brewery right there and take a tour with a tasting session.
We highly recommend booking the tour to see the beautiful canals and Amsterdam windmills. For example, De Gooyer looks very impressive from the water!
https://www.viator.com/tours/Amsterdam/Captain-Jacks-Amazing-Canal-Tour/d525-176051P1
Long story:
It’s one of Amsterdam’s windmills located near the city center, easily accessible by bicycle, metro, or on foot.
De Gooyer Molen (windmill) is the tallest windmill of all Dutch windmills, reaching 26.6 meters high, and holds the status of a National Monument. Its name dates back to around 1609 when it was owned by Claes and Jan Willemsz, two brothers from Gooiland. Also known as “The Funenmolen” (“The Mill on the Funen”), its blades remain functional, though they no longer grind any materials.
Unfortunately, the mill isn’t open to visitors. However, next to the windmill, in the former municipal bathhouse dating back to 1911, you’ll find Brouwerij ‘t IJ, a small brewery. The good news is that the brewery offers tours and beer tastings (https://www.brouwerijhetij.nl/rondleiding/), and it has a pub with a lovely outdoor terrace. It’s open daily from 2 PM until 8 PM.
Despite the mill’s presence in the brewery’s logo, it serves no function for the brewery, and the mill and bathhouse buildings are unrelated.
Zaanse Schans Windmills
Long story short:
The best windmills near Amsterdam and the most iconic view you have ever seen! The best way to book a day tour is to enjoy the authentic neighborhood. Using a train is also a nice and the cheapest option to get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans.
Long story:
If you are probably looking for an Amsterdam windmill village you are on the right way but the most iconic place with Dutch windmills isn’t in Amsterdam! Zaanse Schans feels like a living museum, with its old wooden houses and huge windmills. But it’s not just for show—people still call this place home and go about their daily lives. It’s like stepping back in time to the Industrial Revolution, with craftsmen busy working in the windmills and workshops every day. You can check out workshops where they make wooden shoes, see how cheese is made on a farm, or visit one of the windmills. And when you need a break, there are cozy restaurants and cafés serving up delicious Dutch snacks.
Learn more about the Zaanse Schans windmill village and one-day tours in the article. If you can’t spend the whole day, consider the 3-hour windmill tour.
https://www.getyourguide.com/amsterdam-l36/small-group-zaanse-schans-excursion-from-amsterdam-t110032/
De Otter Molen (1631)
Long story short:
Close to the city center, you can’t go inside. Nice to stay across the canal and take a couple of photos.
Long story:
De Otter stands in a charming neighborhood, easily reachable by tram, bus, bike, or on foot. We recommend taking a leisurely walk through the beautiful Jordaan neighborhood and grabbing a coffee and sandwich before visiting.
An interesting part of the mill’s history is that at the end of the 20th century, the owner wanted to move it to Uitgeest. However, moving a national monument like the windmill requires approval, and the city council didn’t agree.
That’s why the mill remains here in Amsterdam, even though it’s no longer operational.
De 1200 Roe Molen (1632)
Long story short:
Near the city center, the best way to reach the windmills is by bicycle. Closed for interior visits.
Long story:
The 1200 Roe is a polder mill located in De Bretten park. The best way to reach it is by bicycle, with flat paths along the park offering scenic views. A very nice place to rent bicycles and enjoy a free cup of coffee is here.
The mill’s name, ‘1200 Roeden,’ comes from its distance to Haarlemmerpoort, over four kilometers away. While it’s still operational today, it doesn’t have a specific purpose. However, the mill is regularly in use. Unfortunately, it’s not open to visitors, but it’s still a beloved landmark where you can enjoy the view and take photos outside.
*A polder mill, also known as a drainage mill, is a windmill that moves water from a lower level to a higher level.
D’Admiraal Molen (1792)
Long story short:
It’s easy to get there using the metro (Noord) or by bicycle. D’Admiraal is open for free visits on special Saturdays.
Long story:
The windmill is located in the Noord neighborhood, a bit away from the city center, but it offers a unique view of Amsterdam from across the river. The easiest way to get there is by metro (Noord), but on a sunny day, renting a bike or joining a bike tour is a great way to explore the area.
Check your pick and join the bicycle tour to explore the Amsterdam windmill and cozy villages.
What makes D’Admiraal interesting is that it’s the last remaining chalk and trash mill. Chalk was used for pigment, mixed with linseed oil to make putty, while trass, ground tuff stone, was a key ingredient in mortar. The mill is open for free visits from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on specific Saturdays. Check the official website for details, and during mill days in May, it’s also open on Sundays.
There’s a bench right across from the windmill where you can enjoy various activities. Pack a lunch and sit by the canal, admiring the reflection of the mill in the water. You might even see boats passing by. It’s also a great spot for meditation, reading, or writing postcards. And, of course, don’t forget to take some selfies! There’s a super Instagrammable red bridge behind you for that perfect photo.
De Riekermolen Molen (1636)
Long story short:
You can use public transport or bicycle to get to the mill. It’s located in a beautiful park. Still working but not available to go inside.
Long story:
Consider escaping the crowded city center, especially if you’re visiting Amsterdam in Spring or Summer. Take a leisurely day at Amstelpark, where you’ll find the historic Riekermolen mill. If you’re lucky to visit in early March, you’ll witness the daffodils in bloom, creating a stunning backdrop for photos with the mill.
Now, let’s delve into some history. The Riekermolen, built in 1636, stands near a statue of Rembrandt in Amsterdam. The painter was known to sketch along the riverbanks here. The mill helps drain the Buitenveldert garden city, working alongside an electric pumping station. While it’s not frequently operational nowadays, you might catch it spinning on weekends from May to September between 12:00 and 17:00. Unfortunately, you can’t explore the interior of the Riekermolen.
Van Sloten Molen (1990) & Kuiperijmuseum
Long story short:
If you are dreaming of visiting a working windmill in Amsterdam you are on the right track! Easy to get there by bicycle or public transport.
Long story:
The easiest way to get there is by bicycle, but public transport such as buses or trams is also available. The Sloten Mill, a rebuilt working polder mill from 1847, also serves as a Dutch windmill museum offering daily guided tours. It showcases ‘Amsterdam and the Water,’ depicting the landscape in 1630, and features a presentation about Rembrandt in one of its attics. Additionally, it’s a popular wedding location.
Included in the City Card, you can visit the Sloten Mill for free. Guided tours run every hour from 10 am to 4 pm.
As the only accessible working mill in Amsterdam, the Sloten Mill plays a crucial role in keeping the city dry. Located near the Ringvaart, it maintains water levels in the lower area. The tower mill has a lift for easy access.
Inside, under old oak beams, you’ll find statues inspired by Rembrandt’s paintings. Special guided tours for children aged 6 and above are available upon registration. After the tour, adults can enjoy a visit to the nearby beer brewery for a tasting.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm, with the last tour at 4 pm.