National Mill Day

When is National Mill Day in the Netherlands?

National Mill Day in the Netherlands takes place on May 10-11, 2025. This is an annual event that happens each year in mid-May.

About Dutch National Mill Day (Nationale Molendag)

During National Mill Day, many of the windmills (and other mills) in the Netherlands will be turning, and more than 950 of them will open up to the public.

Annually, more than 100.000 people come out to enjoy National Mill Day, and every year the number rises. The event is organised by the Dutch Mill Association (De Hollandsche Molen), an initiative that was started in 1923 to secure the upkeep of wind and water mills in the Netherlands.

Nationale Molendag 2025

For over 50 years, National Mill Day in the Netherlands has been organised by De Hollandsche Molen, the Dutch association of windmills, which was set up to preserve Dutch windmills and their rich history. What's more, De Hollandsche Molen itself has been in existence for over 100 years!

National Mill Day activities

The event is typically accompanied by various activities, many organised by millers all around the country, such as pancake baking, children’s games, cycling routes, mill-themed fairs and parties.

Here's an overview of the windmills in Leiden participating in the 2025 edition of National Mill Day:

• De Herder
• De Volk Museum Molen
• De Put
• Roderburgermolen

Mills in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is famous for its mills, not only due to the large numbers but also because they symbolise the Dutch battle with the sea levels. The country currently has 1.048 windmills and 108 water mills, the oldest of which dates back to before 1450.

The position of the sails, when they’re not turning, can indicate messages, such as a local celebration or mourning. They all turn anti-clockwise. There are multiple theories for why this may be.