Dutch windmills draw visitors while a Zaanse Schans mill slated for removal

Heritage windmills across the Netherlands are being promoted as summer tourist attractions. Guides highlight sites such as the Hernese Beltmolen near Nijmegen, the 1857 stellingmolen ‘Nijverheid’ in Ravenstein and nearby walking routes, encouraging visitors to experience operating mills, local scenery and on‑site refreshments.

In contrast, the historic windmill at the Zaanse Schans is undergoing decommissioning work. Recent maintenance crews have removed the boards and fencing from its sails, and a crane is scheduled to lift the sails and cap for removal. The remaining wooden structure will be dismantled and discarded, leaving the mill temporarily as a “doofpot” (empty shell).