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Guided Tour of Windmill De Adriaan in Haarlem - Amsterdam

Guided Tour of Windmill De Adriaan in Haarlem

Haarlemeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

45–60 minutes

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; involves moderate stair climbing within the windmill.

Overview

Step into the workings of Dutch heritage with a guided visit to Haarlem’s Windmill De Adriaan. Discover milling traditions, detailed models, and 360-degree city views high above the Spaarne River.

Haarlem, Noord-Holland

Guided Tour of Windmill De Adriaan

For Ages 5+ • 45-60 Minutes • Take A Guided Tour Through De Adriaan Mill!

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About This Adventure

Experience the charm of Haarlem at the Adriaan windmill, where guided tours reveal the fascinating history and operation of Dutch windmills. Explore detailed models, witness the milling process, and enjoy breathtaking views from the gallery. Enhance your visit with a scenic canal tour for a unique perspective of the city.

Duration: 45-60 Minutes

Ticket Prices Children (0-4 years) No access Children (5-12 years) €3,50 Adults (13 years & older) €7,50

Your stay in Haarlem would not be complete without a visit to the Adriaan windmill, a smock mill charmingly located in the city center on the banks of the river Spaarne. If there is a miller present, you will see the windmill in action. You can only visit the Adriaan under the supervision of one of the guides.

Please contact us (minimum 48 hours) if you require special assistance for the guided tour or have time constraints. Consider the Private Group option.

The tour begins by taking you through two floors with beautiful detailed models of different types of windmills. On the basis of these models, the guide will give you a clear explanation of the history and operation of windmills in the Netherlands.

Then the tour goes to the top floor, the milling floor with the pair of special grinding millstones that mill the grain into flour. The floor below the milling floor is where the flour is collected and bagged. On this floor you can also go outside and walk around the gallery, which at 12 meters (40 feet) high gives you a beautiful view of the city of Haarlem and the river Spaarne.

If you also want to see De Adriaan and Haarlem from a boat thru the canals and river Spaarne, several operators offer canal tours varying from 50-180 minutes.

Important to Know

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, otherwise the places may be offered to visitors at the counter.

Meeting Point

Molen De Adriaan (Windmill): Papentorenvest 1A, 2011 AV Haarlem between Catherijne Brug and DeKoepel (Open Campus | Haarlem University).

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early

Plan to reach Molen De Adriaan at least 15 minutes before your tour to guarantee your spot.

Camera Ready

Bring a camera or smartphone to capture sweeping views from the windmill’s gallery at 12 meters high.

Consider a Canal Tour

Enhance your visit with a canal ride to see the windmill and Haarlem from unique angles along the Spaarne River.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The tour includes walking stairs and narrow passages—sturdy shoes will help you enjoy the experience fully.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Mute swans glide gracefully on the Spaarne River.
  • European robins are common in the canalside vegetation.

History

De Adriaan windmill dates back to the 18th century, rebuilt after destruction in 1932, showcasing Dutch resilience and engineering heritage.

Conservation

Molen De Adriaan is maintained by Stichting Molen de Adriaan, focusing on preserving historic milling techniques while promoting sustainable tourism.

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Adventure Hotspots in Amsterdam

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Necessary for navigating stairs and uneven flooring inside the windmill.

Camera or smartphone

Useful for capturing panoramic views and detailed milling machinery.

Weather-appropriate layers

Essential

Prepare for variable temperatures, especially on the exposed gallery.

spring|fall|winter specific

Sun protection

A hat and sunscreen help combat direct sun exposure during summer tours.

summer specific