Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour
Description
This is the only Dutch landscape walking tour in the Leiden area, which is also close to the Dutch flower fields. This tour can be combined with a visit to the Dutch flower fields close to Leiden as well (in the vehicle)
Tour Options
Itinerary
During this walking tour, we don’ forget to visit couple of old windmills from outside, which were used to pump water to reclaim land. Some of those are the Broekdijk windmill and the Boterhuis Windmill. The work of the windmills made sure that the Holland was not flooded with sea water. This old technique can be learned very simply once you see how a windmill works. Also we pass a golf course where natural beauty is abundantly to be seen.
This is also one of the attractions we come across during our tour. The windmill of the Leiden city, located in the outskirts of the city was also used to pump water and reclaim land. Also it was used in another phase to make grain. We visit this windmill also from outside and spend around 10-15 minutes.
At the beginning of this walking tour we walk towards the river Zijl through a quiet neighborhood. During this part you see the architecture of typical Dutch houses and apartments. The river Zijl is a medium sized river flowing through South and West of Holland through Polders. It has a picturesque landscape where people can enjoy the whole year. We walk along this river towards the polders and the windmills where we will take some photos.
The walking tour will end by bringing a visit to the children’s farm in the lake district. Here you see more farm animals which you will not see in your home country. The guide will finally bring you to the starting point where you take the bus or own transport to return. Note that the walking tour in the Merenwijk in Leiden is one of the unique Netherlands walking tours, which only Holidays in Holland offers.
The Broekdijk windmill is also a picturesque windmill located in the Merenwijk district in Leiden. It is also a windmill that we will visit from outside and also you will get an explanation how it worked in the earlier centuries. The Broekdijk windmill is located next to a beautiful golf course and also next to the Broek polder. We will see both of these attractions as well.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Arrive at the Leiden central station and be at the entrance to Starbucks cafe.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(11)
Highly recommend this tour for nature and animal lovers. PJ is local to the area and provided some great background on the polders. He even brought a light breakfast to enjoy on our walk. Broekdijkmolen and the children's farm (which is surprisingly large, basically a zoo) were highlights.
Great walk in the park with a knowledgeable guide. Enjoyable easy pace well worth the time an effort. It was money and time well spent.
Thanks David for your review! I was very happy to guide you in the Merenwijk in Leiden.
We enjoyed this walking tour of a calm lakeland area near Leiden which we would otherwise not have seen. PJ's communication before hand was very good, giving us clear instructions of how to get to the meeting point. Don't let the fact you have to travel to the start point put you off. It was an easy bus ride away and you just need to tap your credit/debit card at the start and end of the journey to pay for it. PJ explained very well to us how the windmills had worked in reclaiming the polder land. We were also able to gain a bit of an insight into the Dutch way of life. PJ also gave us some light refreshments. The walk was, of course, very flat and would be suitable for all ages. We really enjoyed the tour.
Thank you very much for your review Lynn and the explanation on the accessibility. Merenwijk is undoubtedly best neighbourhood in Leiden full of greenery and water. Happy to help you next time when you are in Europe again! regards-PJ
I got my tour in Netherlands arranged by Punartha of "Holiday in Holland " and he accompanied us ina Nature walk.That was cool and his brought tea and biscuits cor us to have half way. He was very much customer oriented and caring. 🙏
Thanks Atula. Wad happy to guide you and your wife when you'll were in the Netherlands. Merenwijk is beautiful. See you next time- Punartha
Pj is an affable and informative guide who knows the land and its history quite well. The land we walked was quite scenic, and I came away with a full understanding of how the polders came about and their importance today. The break for a cup of tea as well timed also. Recommend!
Thanks very much for your review Mike! I appreciate it -. Was glad to help you out to show the beautiful windmills of the Merenwijk.
We had a very pleasant walk in the good company of our guide PJ. We walked along a river, saw a mill and a farm. We had explanations about the Netherlands and our environment (the polders and others). In conclusion, a soothing and instructive walk.
Thanks for your Review Leatitia and Family! I was happy to help you enjoy the Polder and Windmill tour. See you next time!-PJ
Definitely recommendable. The tour took 1 hour and we walked alongside the polders and windmill. It was a beautiful landscape and the guide was very knowledgeable.
Thanks Liona for your review. Was happy to guide you, your husband and mother in law in the Merenwijk. Cheers
Very nice walk outside if the city proper. With Punartha as my guide, it was great to get a sense of the local landscape and neighborhoods. Lovely river and windmill views completed the scene. Thanks Punartha!
Thanks Katie for your review! I was happy to help you enjoy Leiden and the beautiful surroundings! See you next time here in amazing Netherlands.
It was an amazing walk in the evening with the amazing guide Punartha who was very friendly and gave us lot of explanations. This serene pathway invites visitors to embark on a journey of tranquility, where the soothing sounds of lapping water and the gentle rustling of leaves create a symphony of serenity. Once again thanks to Punartha who took on beautiful evening walk where is has so much history. Walk by the lake
Thanks for your review Anujon! We were happy to assist you and your colleague during the Dutch Windmill and polder walking tour. I know you enjoyed and moreover, recommend our tour to the future travelers, Take care-Punartha
Just had the most incredible experience on the Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour in the Netherlands. Trust me, it's an absolute must-do! The tour takes you through picture-perfect landscapes adorned with majestic windmills. Punartha was fantastic, sharing fascinating stories about the polders and their historical significance. It was like stepping into a storybook! Walking through the serene countryside was pure bliss, a refreshing escape from the city buzz. If you want an authentic Dutch adventure, this tour is where it's at. Don't miss out!
Thanks Shahen for your honest review. We were happy to help you during this tour. See you next time.
