De Ster & De Lelie Windmills
Historic windmills on Kralingse Plas lake, one a working spice mill offering unique aromas and gifts.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mills active, fewer crowds
De Ster & De Lelie Windmills
Best Time
Mills active, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic windmills on Kralingse Plas lake, one a working spice mill offering unique aromas and gifts.
"A truly gorgeous windmill in the middle of Kralingse Plas (lake)."
Check Operating Hours
Confirm mill opening times before visiting, as they can vary. Some may be closed on specific days. :clock1:
Smell the Spices!
Don't miss the incredible aromas inside the working spice mill. It's a sensory delight! :spice_bottle:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Working Spice Mill
Inside De Lelie
Witness spices being ground by wind power, smell the potent aromas, and explore the history.

Kralingse Plas Lakeside Setting
Kralingse Plas lake
Admire the picturesque windmill against the serene backdrop of the lake and surrounding park.

Spice & Gift Shop
Inside De Lelie
Browse unique spice blends, cookies, and charming gifts, perfect for souvenirs.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Access & Photography
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Zaanse Schans Windmill Village
Check Operating Hours
Confirm mill opening times before visiting, as they can vary. Some may be closed on specific days. :clock1:
Smell the Spices!
Don't miss the incredible aromas inside the working spice mill. It's a sensory delight! :spice_bottle:
Great for Runners
The surrounding park is ideal for a scenic run with beautiful windmill views. :athletic_shoe:
Souvenir Shopping
The gift shop offers unique spice blends and cookies, perfect for taking a taste of Rotterdam home. :gift:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Operating Hours
Confirm mill opening times before visiting, as they can vary. Some may be closed on specific days. :clock1:
Smell the Spices!
Don't miss the incredible aromas inside the working spice mill. It's a sensory delight! :spice_bottle:
Great for Runners
The surrounding park is ideal for a scenic run with beautiful windmill views. :athletic_shoe:
Souvenir Shopping
The gift shop offers unique spice blends and cookies, perfect for taking a taste of Rotterdam home. :gift:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the picturesque setting of De Ster & De Lelie windmills on Kralingse Plas, highlighting the unique experience of a working spice mill and its charming shop. The friendly staff and the opportunity to purchase freshly ground spices and delicious cookies are frequently praised, making it a highly recommended stop for both locals and tourists.
"Nice windmill on the edge of the lake. Not only a great photo opportunity, but you clean also visit the mill. It is now used to grind spices, and if you enter the store you will be smelling a very pleasant and strong smell of spice! We saw the mill in action, with two giant stones grinding the spices, driven by wind power. There is a small museum with the history of the mill, and a small store selling cinnamon, nutmeg, curry, and all kinds of spice mixes in cute metal tins. They also sell cookies baked with their spices. Lovely gifts! The staff was wonderful and kind. We bought several cookies and spices to take home."
Elisabeth Bik
"A really nice mill which actually works and you can go inside and have a look at a working mill.
The staff was also so nice and friendly. On top they take some time to explain everything, plus there is a little shop inside."
AP Wellinger
"Unfortunately, it was closed when I passed this mill. But it is a wonderful spot. They sell spices here that they have ground themselves. There are guides to tell about the mills (coincidentally, they had a poster up saying they were looking for new guides ... ).
If we want to make the world a little greener, maybe we should have more of these places."
Mike Michels
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While an Uber directly from Amsterdam might be costly, taking a train to Rotterdam Centraal and then a local bus or tram to Kralingse Plas is a more economical option. Google Maps is a reliable tool for planning public transport routes.
Yes, the windmills are accessible via public transport. From Rotterdam Centraal, you can take tram lines 7 or 8 towards Kralingse Plas. Check local transport apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
Yes, driving is an option, and there is usually parking available near Kralingse Plas. However, parking availability can vary, especially during peak times. Consider public transport to avoid any parking hassles.
The area around the windmills, Kralingse Plas, is a public park and generally free to enter. However, accessing the interior of the working mills and their shops may incur a fee.
For the best light and fewer people, consider visiting on a weekday morning. The lakeside setting offers beautiful reflections and opportunities for stunning shots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can admire the windmills from the outside for free. To enter and explore the working mill, learn about its history, and visit the shop, there is typically an admission fee.
Opening hours can vary, especially for the interior of the mills and the shops. It's best to check the official website or local listings for the most current information before your visit.
While the park is accessible, the interior of the mills and shops are unlikely to be open at sunrise. Sunrise visits are primarily for exterior photography and enjoying the quiet park atmosphere.
Often, there are guides available who can explain the history and workings of the mill. Some mills may offer more formal guided tours, so inquire upon arrival or check their website.
Absolutely! The windmills are very photogenic, especially from the lakeside. You can take photos freely from the park. Interior photography rules may apply once inside the mill.
📸 📸 Photography
The shores of Kralingse Plas offer the most iconic views, with reflections in the water. Try different angles around the lake for varied perspectives.
Drone regulations can be strict in urban areas and parks. It's essential to check local drone laws and park rules before flying a drone near the windmills to avoid penalties.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides beautiful soft light. Weekday mornings also offer fewer people in your shots.
Photography is usually permitted inside the mills, but it's always a good idea to ask staff if there are any restrictions, especially regarding flash photography.
Experiment with shooting from water level for reflections, or from slightly elevated points in the park for a broader view of the windmill and its surroundings.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
The shops, particularly at De Lelie, sell a variety of spices they grind themselves, spice mixes, cookies made with their spices, and other charming gift items.
Yes, Kralingse Plas has several cafes and restaurants offering food and drinks with views of the lake and windmills. You can also find picnic spots in the park.
Definitely! The primary attraction of the spice mill is the opportunity to purchase freshly ground spices and unique blends directly from the source.
Reviews often highlight the deliciousness of the cookies, especially those made with the windmill's own spices. They are frequently mentioned as great gifts.
You can expect to find a range of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, curry powders, and various spice mixes. The selection might vary seasonally.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Exploring the Kralingse Plas park surrounding the windmills provides ample space for children to run around and play. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake, making it a full day of family fun. The windmills themselves are visually engaging and can spark imagination about history and how things used to work.
🏃♀️ Active Visitors & Runners
Many visitors enjoy incorporating a visit to the windmills into their fitness routine. You can easily combine a scenic run or bike ride around the lake with a stop to admire the windmills and perhaps grab a refreshing drink or a snack from one of the nearby cafes or the windmill's shop.
🎁 Souvenir Hunters
Beyond spices, you'll find charming cookies made with their signature flavors and other delightful gift items. These are not your typical mass-produced souvenirs; they offer a genuine taste of Rotterdam's heritage and are often praised for their quality and presentation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Working Windmills of Kralingse Plas
Beyond the grinding process, the mills house charming shops that offer a delightful array of products. You can purchase the very spices ground on-site, beautifully packaged spice mixes, and delicious cookies baked with these unique flavors. These items make for perfect souvenirs or gifts, allowing you to take a taste of Rotterdam's heritage home with you. The staff are often praised for their friendliness and willingness to share their knowledge, adding a personal touch to the visit.
The setting of these windmills on the edge of Kralingse Plas, a large recreational lake, adds significantly to their appeal. The picturesque location provides stunning photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a spice lover, or simply seeking a beautiful spot for a stroll or a run, De Ster & De Lelie windmills offer a memorable experience.
A Photographer's Paradise
When visiting the working spice mill, De Lelie, consider the interior shots. The interplay of light and shadow on the grinding stones and the rustic machinery can create dramatic and atmospheric photographs. The vibrant colors of the spices in the shop also provide excellent opportunities for close-up shots. Remember to always be respectful of the working environment and ask for permission if you're unsure about specific photography rules inside the mill.
For those interested in capturing the windmills within their urban context, explore the paths around the lake. You can frame the windmills against the Rotterdam skyline in the distance, showcasing the blend of historic and modern architecture. The changing seasons also offer unique photographic possibilities, from lush green summers to crisp autumn colors.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit