Discovering the Windmills: A Perfect Day Trip from Amsterdam

Amsterdam, with its iconic canals and historic architecture, is a city that captures the essence of Dutch culture. However, just beyond the city’s vibrant streets lies another quintessential symbol of the Netherlands: the windmills. These majestic structures, scattered across the Dutch countryside, are a must-visit for anyone looking to delve deeper into the nation’s rich heritage. Here’s how to make the most of a day trip from Amsterdam to explore the windmills.

Zaanse Schans: A Journey Back in Time

One of the most popular and accessible windmill destinations from Amsterdam is Zaanse Schans. Located just 15 kilometers north of the city, this open-air museum offers a picturesque glimpse into 18th and 19th-century Dutch life. Visitors can easily reach Zaanse Schans by taking a short train ride from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk-Zaanse Schans station, followed by a brief walk.

At Zaanse Schans, you’ll find a collection of well-preserved windmills, traditional houses, and workshops. Each windmill has its unique function and history, and many are open to the public. For instance, De Kat is a paint mill where you can learn about the process of making pigments, while De Zoeker and De Bonte Hen are oil mills that demonstrate how linseed oil was produced.

Apart from the windmills, the site features various museums and craft workshops. You can watch demonstrations of traditional Dutch crafts, such as clog making and cheese production, and even take part in some hands-on activities. The Verkade Experience is particularly popular, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the famous Dutch chocolate and biscuit factory.

Kinderdijk: UNESCO World Heritage Windmills

For those willing to venture a bit further, the village of Kinderdijk, about 100 kilometers south of Amsterdam, is home to the largest concentration of old windmills in the Netherlands. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts 19 windmills that were built in the 18th century to manage water levels in the polder. The sight of these historic windmills lining the waterways is nothing short of breathtaking.

Reaching Kinderdijk from Amsterdam involves a combination of train and bus or a direct boat tour, which can be a scenic and enjoyable journey. Once there, visitors can explore the area by foot, bike, or boat. The Wisboom Pumping Station visitor center provides insightful exhibitions on the history and significance of the windmills, and some of the windmills are open to the public, offering a glimpse into the lives of the millers who once operated them.

Kinderdijk or Zaanse Schans: Which to go?

Both Kinderdijk and Zaanse Schans are very nice places to visit if you would like to view windmills; and both have their own camps of supporters.

But between the two, Zaanse Schans is much easier to get to and much more accessible, so you can expect more tourist crowds there — though it is going to be crowded at both locations.

Comparing the windmills, you will see more authentic windmills at Kinderdijk, and there are more windmills you can see - but most of them are not open for visitors. On the other hand, at Zaanse Schans, while there are less windmills, you will be able to see and enter a greater variety of windmills.

Ultimately, it’s up to your individual considerations of location and what you hope to see that will help you make a decision on which to go.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Go early to avoid the crowds: As with most tourist attractions, it will get crowded. And the best way to avoid the crowds is to go early before everyone else starts their day! Check the opening times and entry fees for the windmills and museums you wish to visit.
• Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, as the Dutch weather can be unpredictable. If you plan to cycle, consider renting a bike in advance.
• Guided Tours: If transport is a problem, consider joining a guided tour. An advantage of a guided tour is that you will not have to worry about transport and logistics, and that you will get a more in-depth understanding of the windmills! Guided tours from Amsterdam usually also combine your visit to the windmills with a visit to other locations. Popular tours include: Zaanse Schans + Volendam and Marken or Kinderdijk + The Hague.

Stay Connected in Amsterdam and beyond with a Nomad Travel eSIM for Netherlands

No matter which where your adventures take you, stay connected in Amsterdam with a Nomad travel eSIM for Netherlands. Nomad's eSIMs give you access to affordable data eSIMs in over 170+ destinations worldwide — including Netherlands.

Choose from a variety of local, regional, and global data plans, buy and install your eSIM before you fly, and connect to a mobile network within minutes of arrival. Running out of data mid-trip? Simply purchase an add-on in the Nomad app.

Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Get a Netherlands travel eSIM to stay connected during your trip.