De Gekroonde Poelenburg (The Crowned Poelenburg), Zaandam

51±¬ÁÏÍø

De Gekroonde Poelenburg (The Crowned Poelenburg), Zaandam

De Gekroonde Poelenburg (The Crowned Poelenburg), Zaandam

The Crowned Poelenburg is a remarkable paltrok mill that has been meticulously restored to its working glory. This historic windmill serves as a wind-powered sawmill and is an emblem of the country's rich milling heritage. The Crowned Poelenburg holds the prestigious distinction of being listed as a National Monument, a testament to its historical significance.

Situated within a cluster of several industrial windmills, The Crowned Poelenburg is a living testament to the industrial prowess of the past. However, its history is a tapestry woven with several distinct windmills, adding to its unique narrative.

The saga of The Crowned Poelenburg traces its roots to the original location of the first De Poelenburg in Zaandam-Oost, dating back to 1733. Named after its owner, Pieter Jochemsz. Poelenburg, the mill was an integral part of the local landscape. Tragically, in 1903, fire consumed this historic structure, marking the end of an era.

In its place, a windmill known as The Locomotive was transported to Zaandam. The mill continued to operate diligently until 1950. After this, it gradually fell into disrepair, its sails stilled by the passage of time.

In 1963, Vereniging De Zaansche Molen, a Dutch windmill preservation society, acquired the mill and orchestrated its move to the Zaanse Schans. The mill was re-erected at the site of the pealing windmill De Grootvorst, which had tragically burned down in 1928. Restoration efforts breathed new life into The Crowned Poelenburg, allowing it to once again embrace the wind.

Despite the challenges faced during its restoration, the mill's unique winding problem was resolved, thanks to dedicated efforts over the years. Today, De Gekroonde Poelenburg stands proudly as a symbol of resilience and historical preservation.

While the windmill is not open to the public due to safety concerns, it remains a cherished piece of history, a testament to the enduring legacy of wind-powered industry in the Netherlands.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Zaandam. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 51±¬ÁÏÍø App

De Gekroonde Poelenburg (The Crowned Poelenburg) on Map

Sight Name: De Gekroonde Poelenburg (The Crowned Poelenburg)
Sight Location: Zaandam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Zaandam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Zaandam, Netherlands

Create Your Own Walk in Zaandam

Create Your Own Walk in Zaandam

Creating your own self-guided walk in Zaandam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Zaandam Introduction Walking Tour

Zaandam Introduction Walking Tour

Although historically significant as such, Zaandam, a charming old town on the banks of the Zaan River in the northwestern part of the Netherlands, does not have the same level of worldwide recognition as some larger cities. Despite its close proximity to Amsterdam, Zaandam has a plethora of tourist attractions of its own, readily available for those who seek them.

The name "Zaandam"...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Windmills Village Walk

Windmills Village Walk

Windmills Village, or Zaanse Schans, as it's known locally, is a truly unique place in the Netherlands. In this quaint location, packed to the brim with postcard-perfect wooden houses, windmills, and barns, one can easily experience what life was like in the country back in the 1850s.

Among the village's top highlights is the Museum of the Dutch Clock. Home to a stunning collection of...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles