De Distilleerketel Windmill
A beautifully preserved historic windmill in Rotterdam's charming Delfshaven, offering stunning views and a delightful local shop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
De Distilleerketel Windmill
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully preserved historic windmill in Rotterdam's charming Delfshaven, offering stunning views and a delightful local shop.
"A must-see in Rotterdam’s historic Delfshaven, full of history and charm with stunning views!"
🎯 Verify Opening Days/Hours
Crucial to check before visiting, as it's not always open.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Around €5 for adults, €4 for students. Great value for the experience!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Windmill Architecture
Delfshaven, Rotterdam
A beautifully preserved korenmolen (corn mill) offering a glimpse into Dutch industrial history.
Panoramic Delfshaven Views
Top of the windmill
Ascend the steep stairs for breathtaking vistas of Rotterdam's charming historic Delfshaven district.
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Charming Mill Shop
Ground floor
Discover local products, handmade cookies, Dutch books, and unique souvenirs in an adorable shop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Hours Before You Go
Embrace the Climb for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
My own designs of Dutch windmills in cross stitch (Keukenhof and two from Leiden). Looking for more well known Dutch windmills to add to my collection: special location or function. Preferably a type of mill I do not yet have! Any tips? Thanks!
🎯 Verify Opening Days/Hours
Crucial to check before visiting, as it's not always open.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Around €5 for adults, €4 for students. Great value for the experience!
🚶♀️ Explore Historic Delfshaven
The windmill is a highlight within a charming, walkable historic district.
📸 Selfie Spots Galore
Great views and photo opportunities from the windmill's decking.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Verify Opening Days/Hours
Crucial to check before visiting, as it's not always open.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Around €5 for adults, €4 for students. Great value for the experience!
🚶♀️ Explore Historic Delfshaven
The windmill is a highlight within a charming, walkable historic district.
📸 Selfie Spots Galore
Great views and photo opportunities from the windmill's decking.
📚 Shop for Local Treats
Find unique souvenirs, flour, and cookies in the mill's shop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise De Distilleerketel Windmill for its historical charm, friendly staff, and the rewarding views from the top. The affordable entry fee and the delightful on-site shop add to its appeal, making it a highly recommended stop in Rotterdam's historic Delfshaven. Some visitors note that checking opening hours is crucial to avoid disappointment.
"*“Korenmolen de Distilleerketel is a must-see in Rotterdam’s historic Delfshaven. The windmill itself is beautiful, full of history and charm. What really stood out to me was the warm atmosphere and the friendliness of the staff – they make you feel truly welcome. Inside, there’s a small shop where you can find different types of flour, tasty handmade cookies, and other local products. For families, there are traditional games for children, and sometimes even live music, which makes the visit even more enjoyable.
Climbing to the top is a highlight – the stairs are a bit narrow and steep, but the stunning view of Delfshaven makes it absolutely worth it. If you want to experience authentic local culture while having a lovely day, I highly recommend visiting this place.”*"
Batuhan Dogru
"When visiting the historical area of Rotterdam, I got so excited that this windmill is open for anyone to explore! It was great fun to climb the ladders to get to the top, there’s art around and the shop downstairs is simply adorable, with Dutch old books and little souvenirs. The man that runs it is so kind and funny too! Also, €5 entry for adults and €4 for students is very good and a bargain for this experience!"
Mariia M
"We visited the Delfshaven just to walk around and take in the lovely views and when we went to the windmill we realised we could look around. The price was 5 Euros each and wow was it worth it. We were introduced to the Miller, who was such a lovely guy and very informative about the windmill, his English was amazing as well and he could speak a few different languages. In all, we were in the windmill for nearly an hour and half and really enjoyed it. Also there are some great views and selfie shots from the decking of the windmill. I would definitely recommend a visit to the windmill 100%👍🏻"
dean eiles
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The windmill is located in the historic Delfshaven district of Rotterdam. You can reach Delfshaven via public transport, including trams and metro lines. Many visitors also enjoy exploring the area on foot or by bike, as it's a picturesque part of the city.
Parking in historic areas like Delfshaven can be limited. It's often best to use public transport or consider parking at a larger city car park and walking or taking public transport to the windmill.
Yes, the windmill is often included in self-guided walking tours of Delfshaven. Apps like VoiceMap can guide you directly to the windmill and provide historical context.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, and it's essential to check them online before your visit as the windmill is not always open. Some visitors have been disappointed by unexpected closures.
Admission is typically around €5 for adults and €4 for students, which is considered a great bargain for the experience.
Generally, advance booking isn't required, but it's always a good idea to check the official website or local tourist information for any specific booking recommendations, especially during peak seasons.
The climb to the top involves narrow and steep stairs, which may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues. The shop and ground floor are generally accessible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can explore the historic milling machinery, visit the charming shop selling local products and souvenirs, and climb to the top for stunning views. There are also often art displays and traditional games for children.
Yes, families can enjoy traditional games for children, and sometimes there's live music, making it a fun and engaging visit for younger visitors.
The top of the windmill offers beautiful panoramic views of the historic Delfshaven area, the canals, and the surrounding Rotterdam cityscape. It's a popular spot for photos.
Absolutely! The ground floor features an adorable shop selling various types of flour, handmade cookies, Dutch books, and other local souvenirs.
The miller and staff are often very friendly and informative, happy to share details about the windmill's history and function. Guided tours or information leaflets might also be available.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Delfshaven has several charming cafes and restaurants offering traditional Dutch cuisine and other options. You can also purchase tasty handmade cookies from the windmill's own shop.
The windmill shop often sells delicious handmade cookies and other local products, making it a great place to pick up a treat.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the windmill against the Delfshaven backdrop is picturesque. The decking at the top offers fantastic panoramic shots of the historic district.
Photography is generally allowed inside and outside the windmill, allowing you to capture the historic machinery and charming shop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the mill itself, the surrounding Delfshaven area provides plenty of space to explore. Look out for traditional games that are sometimes available for kids, adding an extra layer of interactive fun. The friendly atmosphere and the chance to see a working piece of history make it a memorable experience for all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a stroll through the charming Delfshaven district, which is free to explore. You can also save money by purchasing affordable and delicious local treats like handmade cookies from the mill's shop, rather than dining at more expensive restaurants.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the charming shop interior, filled with unique Dutch items. The golden hour light can cast a magical glow on the windmill and the canals of Delfshaven, making it an ideal spot for both landscape and detail photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Delfshaven
Exploring Delfshaven allows you to appreciate the resilience of Dutch heritage. The area is dotted with traditional pubs, quaint shops, and other historical landmarks, making the windmill just one part of a rich tapestry. It’s a fantastic place to wander without a strict itinerary, discovering hidden corners and enjoying the scenic waterfront.
Inside the Mill: History and Goods
Beyond its historical significance, the windmill houses an adorable shop. This is a delightful place to find authentic Dutch souvenirs, including various types of flour produced on-site, delicious handmade cookies, and old Dutch books. It’s a perfect spot to pick up unique gifts or treats that capture the essence of your visit.
The Ascent and the Reward
From the decking at the top, you get a unique perspective of the historic district, its waterways, and the contrast with the modern city skyline beyond. It's an ideal location for photography, offering memorable selfie opportunities and a chance to appreciate the beauty of Rotterdam from a different vantage point. The effort is consistently described as 'worth it' by those who make the climb.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit