We are staying in either Leiden or Amsterdam in June. Is there a windmill site that is easy to visit from these locations that is interesting? We'd like to spend one day out of town. And are there any gardens or non-food/flower markets or any outdoor activities that are easily accessed for these towns? Thanks.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
Leiden has a busy market on Saturday along the Nieuwe Rijn, in the centre behind the city hall. About half is food, the other non-food, including some flower stalls.
There is a beautiful windmill trio near Wilsveen, less than 45 mins on bicycle from Leiden. A nice trip when the weather is fine. Rental at the railway station or in the Breestraat.
Posted by
Detroit, MI, USA
103 posts
I was last in Leiden in 1990, so things have probably changed a lot. Back then, there was a windmill just a couple of blocks down the main street from the train station that operated as a museum.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
That one still proudly stands, as it has done for over 250 years, but it is not the day out Lisa is looking for.
Posted by
OP
Denver, CO, United States
205 posts
yes, Tom is right. We want a little excursion. However there's a 50-50 chance that were staying in Amsterdam. Hotel choices in Leiden are a little slim at that time.
Posted by
Podunk, Utah
149 posts
I have an inordinate fondness for windmills and have been to Zaanse Schans and Kinderdijk. Without a car, the former may be your best bet since the train gets you within easy walking distance. However, I preferred the latter but suspect it would be difficult to get to by public transportation.
Posted by
OP
Denver, CO, United States
205 posts
Thanks. Also, I saw a website that says that there's some kind of 1960's market in the Hague on June 10, but it's in Durch and I may have got it wrong. Can anyone shed some light?
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
Actually Kinderdijk has excellent public transport connections. There is a regular bus leaving from the railway station in Dordrecht, but it even has its own ferry service from Rotterdam, continuing to Dordrecht.
The Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum. Nothing wrong with the concept, but the close proximity to Amsterdam makes it somewhat of a tourist trap. There is a beautiful windmill trio in Schermerhorn, used for draining the Schermer land reclamation. Has an hourly bus connection from Alkmaar, continuing to the historical village of De Rijp, from where you can get a further bus to Purmerend to take the train back to Amsterdam.
This is the excellent real-time public transport planner. (Use the »More options« button for selecting the desired transport mode.)