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Put on a pair of clogs, take some tulips along, eat some
cheese before you take a ride on the canal to see the world
known windmills and you'll surprise the essence of the Netherlands.
Actually, you needn't do anything of that to visit the windmills,
as they are one of the most accessible sights in Amsterdam,
right in the core of it. And you aren't talking but one or
two, we're talking about 8 windmills, most of the at visitors'
disposal.
If lucky, you may even surprise them decked for holiday or
some special event, such as the National Windmill Day on May,
11th, all covered in flowers, angel garments or bearing the
Netherlands' official symbol: the Dutch flag. With an important
historical heritage, the Dutch mills are preserved not only
for tourist purposes, but some have even become the home of
Dutch families. Others have been reconstructed and renovated
for longer lasting throughout the years.
Five of the mills in Amsterdam have 17th century and later
architecture and are open for the public. If you want to take
a look, you'll find them on Haarlemmerweg 465 (windmill De
1200 Roe), on Herrman Bonpad 6 (windmill De 1100 Roe), along
the Amstel River (Riekermolen), on Noordhollandschkanaaldijk
21 (D'Admiraal) and on Haarlemmerweg 701 (De Bloem). De Bloem,
although keeps most of its original form, has different location
from the original one. D'Amiraal and De Bloem were built later
than the other three, which makes them a little different
in appearance.
If you're looking for a windmill that brings back more of
the old Dutch spirit, you must visit De Gooyer, on Fuenenkade
7, and have a zip of the traditional Dutch beer, Y-lake, in
the brewery located in this mill. The mill is in action every
first Saturday of the month, a true delight and picturesque
sight for the lucky visitors.
Molen Van Sloten and De Otter are the last two windmills
you are allowed to visit, with high popularity among tourists
due, partly, because of the touch of mystery surrounding their
16th, respectively 19th century architecture. This is the
reason for which many couples choose to get married in Molen
Van Sloten, especially that it is officially recognized as
a house of municipality. De Otter, on the other hand, is perhaps,
the most authentic Dutch windmill. Unfortunately its existence
and work seems to be threatened by the civilization taking
over the waters and the wind, but everybody is making efforts
to preserve it in the best conditions.
Windmills can be visited by everyone. Even physically disabled
persons or pregnant women and young children can have a beautiful
insight of the Dutch heritage thanks to the elevators build
in the windmills. Tours are organized daily between 10 a.m.
and 4 p.m. Check out for public holidays or special events,
though, because the mills might be close for visitors.
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