Windmills in the region
From the city center to the polders
The region has the highest number of windmills per square kilometer of any region in the Netherlands! From the De Valk Windmill Museum right in the heart of the city to the unique Lijkermolen 1 & 2. Head out and feel the power of the wind!
Countless stories to tell
There are nearly 50 windmills in the region. As a result, the region has the highest density of windmills per square meter compared to other regions in the Netherlands. These windmills have a rich history, ranging from their role in World War II to being the only type of windmill with a 12-sided design in the entire country.
Discover all the stories in the Region of Surprises during a bike tour or by appointment.
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Windmills & Lakes Route
Let the Windmills & Lakes Route take you on a journey from Leiden, through and around Kaag & Braassem, where you’ll pass by various windmills and explore the polders. The tour lasts about 2 hours and will also take you past plenty of places where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink.
Download the route for free online!
Windmills & Lakes Route
National Mill Days
Have you always wanted to see what a windmill looks like on the inside and learn the stories behind it? During the National Windmill Days on May 9 & 10, many windmills in the region will open their doors. Here, the millers will share the stories of the windmills with you, and you’ll get to experience them in a whole new way.
Curious to know which windmills are participating on these days? Check out the list on the website.
National Mill Days
Mill Night
On Saturday, September 13, starting at 8:00 p.m., the Kaag & Braassem region will host a Windmill Night. Visit 14 windmills that will be illuminated both literally and figuratively. Discover why these windmills are so important and enjoy the sight of them all lit up.
Explore these beautiful windmills via a boat tour, a walking tour, or by bike!
For more information about the Mill Night or the routes, visit the website.
Mill Night
Visit these mills in the region
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Molen de Valk
Molen de Valk is the only surviving city miller’s house in the Netherlands and is part of the 13 museums of Leiden.
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Broekdijkmolen
The Broekdijkmolen was built in 1862 and is located in the Broek and Simontjespolder. It has been owned by the Rijnlandse Molenstichting since 1986.
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Molen de Geregtigheid
Molen de Geregtigheid was built in 1740 and is open to visitors who want to learn all about the ancient craft of milling.
Power of the Blades
According to miller Ton of the Lijkermolen 2, windmills in the Netherlands will become increasingly important in the future and will be more than just decorative features; they will be the solution in times of need. This is because windmills ensure that water can be pumped even if there is a power outage in the Netherlands.
For example, the Kalkmolen and Doesmolen in Hoogmade are already keeping the Doespolder dry. So windmills may be more important than ever!
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More than just decoration
In addition to the corn mill, the polder mill is an even more common sight in the region. Polder mills serve an important purpose: maintaining the water level so that the land remains dry and arable. Warmond is full of them, such as the Zwanburgermolen and the Broekdijkmolen, both of which can be visited by appointment. In Voorschoten, you can visit the Knipmolen.
In Oegstgeest, you'll find the Oudenhofmolen and Molen 't Poeltje, which were used to drain the Oudenhof and Klaas Hennepoel polders.
Rijnlandse Molenstichting
The Rijnlandse Molenstichting helps maintain 49 polder mills in the Rijnland Water Board’s area. Forty-three of these mills also serve as auxiliary pumping stations and help keep water levels at the proper level. All mills are national monuments, and with mills dating from 1597 to 1941, the Rijnlandse Molenstichting ensures that the mills remain in good condition.
Rijnlandse Molenstichting
Absolutely! You can do that at many windmills in the region. Want to know which ones? Check out the windmill page to find out.
It varies greatly. Some mills are no longer in operation, or only run occasionally. But there are certainly mills that operate regularly. The mills often run when assistance is needed at an electric pumping station.
Almost every mill in our region is owned by a volunteer miller selected by the Rijnlandse Molenstichting.
Windmills in the region are primarily used to manage water in the polders. However, windmills in the Netherlands can also be used to grind grain, spices, lime, and other materials, as well as for sawing or husking.
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Food & Drinks
Food & Drinks
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Museums
Museums
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Nature
Nature
