The Netherlands is famously recognized for its windmills. While most may envision these iconic structures populating the serene countryside, they are also found within urban areas. Discover the fascinating urban windmills of Amsterdam, including insights into their history, architecture, and visitor details.

01. Krijtmolen d’Admiraal (D’Admiraal Clay Mill)

Address: Noordhollandschkanaaldijk 21, 1034 ZL Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam Noord (North)
Open: Every second Saturday of the month from April to October and on National Mill Day (the second weekend in May)

Krijtmolen d’Admiraal stands out, especially for families visiting with children. Not only is it occasionally open for visitors, but it is located near Kinderboerderij De Molenwei (Children’s Farm), where kids can interact with various farm animals. (Tip: Take the free ferry from Amsterdam Central Station to the Veer IJplein terminal to cross the river to the north.)

This mill is a late example (1792) of a tower mill, which was historically used for milling chalk and trass (volcanic ash used in mortar). It is believed to be the last wind-powered chalk and trass mill still operational worldwide. To check its activity, view the website that features an animated mill; if active, so is the real one.

The mill is named after its initial owner, Elisabeth Admiraal, who had familial ties to a prominent admiral. Interestingly, she was 90 years old when the mill was built but passed away the following year. Following the last miller’s retirement in 1954, a local preservation society was organized to restore the mill. Today, it remains the nation’s only chalk mill.

02. Molen De Bloem (or De Blom)

Address: Haarlemmerweg 465, 1055 PK Amsterdam​
Location: ​Bos en Lommer​​​
Open: Only on National Mill Day

Dutch windmills are not confined to the expansive rural landscape; they can also be discovered in the heart of Amsterdam. For example, visitors to Westergasfabriek—whether for brunch at a local café or coffee at Espressofabriek—will find the attractive flour mill conveniently located just across the street. Although the exterior is accessible all year round, the interior is only available on National Mill Day.

De Bloem Windmill, commonly referred to as De Blom, was constructed in 1768 as a modern replacement for a previous mill. The earlier post mill required rotational movement of its entire structure to face the wind. Meanwhile, the newer tower mill allows just the upper cap to rotate, enhancing stability and efficiency. Initially erected in another area of the city, it was later relocated to its current site to accommodate the contemporary Marnixstraat. The mill takes its name from De Bloem, the former rampart where it once stood.

03. Molen De Gooyer

Address: Funenkade 5, 1018 AL Amsterdam
Location: Het Funen (between the Kadijken and Eastern Docklands)
Open: No, but don’t miss the nearby brewery

De Gooyer is a beloved windmill that captures the attention of many due to its historical significance and visual appeal. Located near a celebrated city brewery, the mill stands 87 feet tall, making it the tallest wooden mill in the Netherlands.

Visitors can enjoy drinks at the Brouwerij ‘t IJ, a microbrewery that features a spacious outdoor patio, inviting ambiance, and brewery tours offered on weekends. While De Gooyer itself remains closed to the public, it serves as the picturesque backdrop for this local hotspot.

Notably, De Gooyer started as a different windmill located elsewhere. It replaced a 17th-century post mill, which underscores the trend of upgrading to a more complex and stable tower mill design. Its current location was established in 1759.

04. Molen De Otter

Address: Gillis van Ledenberchstraat 78, 1052 VK Amsterdam
Location: Frederik Hendrikbuurt, just west of the Jordaan
Open: No

Sawmills, as documented by historians, were of two main types: the common tower mill and the rare paltrok mill. De Otter, established in 1631, is a surviving paltrok mill, representing a higher rarity as it is the only one in the area.

De Otter’s historical significance lies in the fact that it represents just one of five remaining paltrok mills in the Netherlands; it sits on a base that features wooden rollers, allowing it to rotate into the wind. This design mirrors the shape of a paltrok, a traditional loose jacket characterized by its belt fastening. For those interested in further exploring the windmill tradition, a reconstructed paltrok mill can be visited at Zaanse Schans.

05. De Riekermolen (The Rieker Windmill)

Address: De Borcht 10, 1083 AC Amsterdam
Location: Amstelpark
Open: No

De Riekermolen is uniquely positioned at the southern edge of Amstelpark, adjacent to a tribute to the renowned painter Rembrandt van Rijn. Created during Rembrandt’s lifetime in 1631, the windmill was relocated to its picturesque location over 300 years later.

This particular mill stands as a polder mill, aimed at draining water from the land. Originally based in Sloten, it was moved in the 1950s to where it now graces the park, providing a scenic landmark.

06. Molen van Sloten (Sloten Windmill)

Address: Akersluis 10, 1066 EZ Amsterdam-Sloten
Location: Sloten (southwestern Amsterdam)
Open: Yes

Recognized as one of the city’s most notable windmills, the Sloten Windmill is open to visitors daily throughout the year (closing on certain holidays). Constructed in 1990, it functions as a polder mill and boasts accessibility features, including an elevator for disabled visitors.

The mill also includes two permanent exhibitions, one focusing on Rembrandt’s familial ties to milling and the other detailing Amsterdam’s relationship with water—apt for a polder mill. Adjacent to it lies the Kuiperijmuseum (Coopery Museum), highlighting the craftsmanship of wooden barrels.

07. De 1100 Roe and De 1200 Roe

The following two windmills, both known as De 1100 Roe and De 1200 Roe, have similar histories and names; however, they occupy different locations today. Located further from the city center, it is most convenient to access them by bike.

De 1100 Roe

Address: Herman Bonpad 6, 1067 SN Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam Osdorp
Open: ​No

While not frequently visited, it’s worth mentioning De 1100 Roe, which refers to its historical distance of 1100 roeden from Haarlemmerpoort, where it operated as a polder mill from 1674 until its dismantling and subsequent relocation in the mid-20th century. Its new location was necessary for maintaining the dryness of the Sportpark Ookmeer area.

De 1200 Roe

Address: Haarlemmerweg 701, 1063 LE Amsterdam-Slotermeer
Location: Slotermeer​​
Open: ​No

Similarly, the 1200 Roe also served a polder drainage purpose and has retained its historical position of being 1200 rods (three miles) west of the Haarlemmerpoort, a less frequented destination for those seeking to explore far from the city center.