De Ster & De Lelie Windmills - a windmill in a green field under a cloudy sky
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De Ster & De Lelie Windmills

4.7
·40 reviews·Rotterdam, Netherlands

Historic windmills on Kralingse Plas lake, one a working spice mill offering unique aromas and gifts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Mills active, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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De Ster & De Lelie Windmills - a windmill in a green field under a cloudy sky

De Ster & De Lelie Windmills

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Mills active, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic windmills on Kralingse Plas lake, one a working spice mill offering unique aromas and gifts.

4.7
(40 reviews)

"A truly gorgeous windmill in the middle of Kralingse Plas (lake)."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Working Spice Mill

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 Lakeside Setting

Kralingse Plas lake

Admire the picturesque windmill against the serene backdrop of the lake and surrounding park.

Spice & Gift Shop

Spice & Gift Shop

Inside De Lelie

Browse unique spice blends, cookies, and charming gifts, perfect for souvenirs.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

To catch the windmills in action and avoid crowds, aim for weekday mornings. Check operating hours beforehand, as some mills may have limited access or be closed on certain days. Sunrise visits are possible but may require special arrangements.

Access & Photography

Wandering around the exterior of the windmills is generally free and offers great photo opportunities. However, to enter and explore the working mills, learn about their history, and visit the shops, there might be an admission fee. Confirm this before your visit.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Mills active, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Shops open, good light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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

4.7
(40 reviews)

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

Beautiful lakeside setting
Working spice mill experience
Friendly and knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Occasional closures
Potential admission fees

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Reviews often highlight the deliciousness of the cookies, especially those made with the windmill's own spices. They are frequently mentioned as great gifts. Reddit

You can expect to find a range of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, curry powders, and various spice mixes. The selection might vary seasonally. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

De Ster & De Lelie Windmills offer a fun and educational outing for families. Kids will be fascinated by the sight and sound of the working spice mill, especially watching the giant stones grind spices. The shop is also a hit, with colorful spices and tasty cookies that make for great treats. Reddit

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

The location of De Ster & De Lelie Windmills within Kralingse Plas and Kralingse Bos makes it an ideal spot for active visitors. The park offers well-maintained paths perfect for running, jogging, or cycling, with the picturesque windmills as your backdrop. Reddit

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

If you're looking for unique souvenirs, the shops at De Lelie windmill are a must-visit. They specialize in freshly ground spices and custom spice blends, which are perfect for foodies or anyone who enjoys cooking. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Working Windmills of Kralingse Plas

De Ster & De Lelie windmills are not just historical relics; they are active participants in Rotterdam's industrial heritage. De Lelie, in particular, is renowned as a working spice mill. Here, you can witness the traditional process of grinding spices using the power of the wind, a truly mesmerizing sight. The air inside is thick with the potent aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other exotic spices, creating a unique sensory experience. Visitors can observe the giant grinding stones in action and learn about the mill's history through informative displays. Reddit

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. Reddit

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

The visual appeal of De Ster & De Lelie windmills is undeniable, making them a prime subject for photographers. The most iconic shots are captured from the shores of Kralingse Plas, where the windmills are reflected in the calm waters, especially during sunrise or sunset. The surrounding parkland, Kralingse Bos, offers various vantage points, allowing for diverse compositions. Early morning visits are highly recommended to capture the serene beauty with minimal distractions from other visitors. Reddit

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. Reddit

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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