The “Windotter” is one of the working windmills in Holland. Actually, the Windotter windmill is the largest working corn mill in the Netherlands processing thousands of kilos of corn a day. Just a day trip away from Amsterdam.
The Windotter windmill in IJsselstein is a charming and historic structure. This traditional Dutch windmill has a unique octagonal shape, which sets it apart from many other windmills in the country. Windotter is a wooden, thatched-roof mill that has been carefully preserved and restored over the years, making it a picturesque landmark in the city.
The Windotter windmill is a reminder of the Netherlands’ rich cultural and agricultural history and continues to be a beloved and well-maintained part of IJsselstein’s landscape. It’s not only a functional piece of history but also a lovely and iconic structure that contributes to the city’s character.
Windotter in IJsselstein: here you can see the working of a windmill
“The mills of God grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine”, they say. Well, at the beginning of the last century, the Windotter in IJsselstein came to a halt. It stood there idle and sad. Blades missing. Repairing the mill took a lot of time. But, since 1987, the Windotter is back in its full glory. I approach the mill. The blades are so impressive, so powerful, and dangerous.
You must see the Windotter. The most beautiful windmill near Utrecht? Maybe the hospitable miller will invite you to enter the mill. He will allow you to climb to the top. Come on. You go up the ladders and in the meantime, the miller operates the millstones. Oversees the grinding process. While the miller mixes the corn you explore the inside of the mill. You get covered with flour. Accompanied by the rattling of the mill wheels you climb to the top where the mill stretches its arms to touch the sky. Over and over again.
Well, IJsselstein is the only place in Holland where you can study the grinding process, and the working of a windmill so precisely. It is awesome but be careful.
History of the Windotter IJsselstein
The mill was built in 1732. It is a stone smock mill. The windmill blades measure 26 meters. In the 18th century, the farmers in the surroundings of IJsselstein were obliged to grind their corn at this mill. Since its restoration in 1987, a professional miller has overseen the grinding process. The mill is in operation 5 days a week. And that is the best time for a visit. Then you can see what grinding corn in a windmill is all about. All the wheels in the mill are turning. And your clothes will get covered with flour.
Shop Windotter Mill IJsselstein
In the mill shop, you buy high-quality Dutch products. This smock mill produces e.g. Waldkorn the miller’s mix of flour with which I have baked my bread since I have a backing machine.
➔ READ MORE – Home-baked Waldkorn bread.
Near the Windotter is the Castle Tower of IJsselstein
Once upon a time, the Dutch King owned an impressive polygonal castle in IJsselstein. Here the conflicts between the Counts of Holland and the Bishop of Utrecht were settled. Here Lady Bertha withstood a year-long siege with only 16 soldiers under her command.
In the 19th century, the Castle IJsselstein was sold for demolition. Nowadays only the Castle Tower remains. There was a prison with three cells. Presently you can rent the tower for a meeting or a children’s party. At the IJsselstein museum, you can buy a ticket for a visit. And sometimes there is a theater performance in the tower.
The lovely and beautiful city of IJsselstein
Windmill Windotter IJsselstein
Visitors to IJsselstein can enjoy the beauty of the Windotter windmill, which often serves as a focal point for photos and a symbol of Dutch heritage. Windmills like the Windotter have played a significant role in the history of the Netherlands, primarily for activities like grinding grain and draining polders to reclaim land from water bodies.
Things to do in IJsselstein, Utrecht.
- Taste cookies from the bakery at the “Windotter”, the largest corn mill in the Netherlands.
➔ READ MORE – WindMill Windotter IJsselstein - Go to the Museum of IJsselstein and book a tour by boat through the city or make a city walk with an audio tour.
➔ READ MORE – Museum IJsselstein - Visit Castle Tower and get to know the magnificent history of this place. Do you want to see real castles around IJsselstein? Then Haarzuilens is the place to go.
➔ READ MORE – Haarzuilen, castle Haarzuilen - Make a trip to the orchards around IJsselstein and eat fresh cherries at the farm “De Fruitwaard” Oudeslootseweg 3, 3411 MP Jaarsveld.
➔ READ MORE -Country Shop De Fruitwaard, IJsselstein - Carnaval IJsselstein. In IJsselstein, a vibrant community life thrives with numerous associations and clubs. One of the annual highlights is the grand carnival parade that takes place during the carnival season. During this lively event, people from the community come together to celebrate with a colorful and festive carnival parade. Participants dress up in creative and elaborate costumes, and decorated floats adorned with vibrant decorations wind their way through the streets. The parade is accompanied by music, dance, and a joyful atmosphere. The IJsselstein carnival parade is a fun and spirited tradition that brings the community together, fostering a strong sense of togetherness and celebration. It’s a time when residents and visitors can enjoy the lively and cheerful spirit of carnival in the heart of IJsselstein.
➔ READ MORE – IJsselstein – MonkeyTown – Carnaval Parade
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