De Zoeker (The Seeker Windmill), Zaandam

51±¬ÁÏÍø

De Zoeker (The Seeker Windmill), Zaandam

De Zoeker (The Seeker Windmill), Zaandam

Nestled within the picturesque Zaanse Schans stands a unique testament to Dutch ingenuity and heritage -The Seeker windmill. This historic windmill serves a remarkable purpose, as it has been pressing seeds, such as linseed and rapeseed, into vegetable oil for centuries. Among the windmills that once dotted the landscape of the region, The Seeker stands as the last operational oil mill and is a cherished relic of the past.

The story of The Seeker dates back to its construction in 1672 in the charming village of Zaandijk. For centuries, this venerable windmill faithfully carried out its task, pressing seeds to extract precious vegetable oil. The mill's history is one of resilience and adaptability, as it continued its operations with only a few interruptions until 1968 when it underwent a significant change – relocation to the Zaanse Schans.

Today, The Seeker is a beloved part of the Zaanse Schans, where visitors can witness the magic of this centuries-old oil mill in action. Its iconic sails gracefully turn, driven by the wind, as it continues to perform the age-old craft of oil extraction. The sight and sounds of The Seeker are a vivid reminder of a time when windmills were the heartbeat of Dutch industry and innovation.

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.

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De Zoeker (The Seeker Windmill) on Map

Sight Name: De Zoeker (The Seeker Windmill)
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.
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
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