I used to be cool and hip. Now even a windmill fascinates me.

Okay, wait a minute...

If someone had told me twenty years ago that I would ever enthusiastically write a blog post about a windmill, I probably would have laughed at them.

And yet here we are. 😄

Many of our guests want to visit the Zaanse Schans during their stay. This is understandable, as it is a beautiful place and absolutely worth the effort.

But let's be honest... sometimes it just doesn't fit into your schedule. Or you don't fancy the crowds and would rather discover something closer to home.

And then I have some good news.

Did you know that we in Uitgeest simply have our own windmills?

I've lived in Uitgeest for over fifty years now, and the windmills have always been there, of course. Only... I used to drive right past them without a second thought. Today I see them quite differently.

Perhaps it's due to age. Perhaps it's because I've come to appreciate our surroundings more and more.

But now, when I cycle past the De Kat Mill and see the sails gently turning in the wind, it simply makes me happy.

This is such a typical Dutch scene, where you think: Actually, we have it pretty good here.

And while you're out and about, you should definitely cycle past Molen De Dog. Within a few minutes you'll see two beautiful windmills, each with its own story and both maintained by dedicated volunteers.

It couldn't be the hundreds of tourists at Zaanse Schans...

But that's exactly what I like about it.

Here you have plenty of space to look around in peace, to chat and simply enjoy everything that is so typically Dutch.

A piece of Dutch history that still lives on.

The De Kat mill is located on the outskirts of Uitgeest and is lovingly maintained by the volunteers of the Uitgeest and Akerslot Mill Foundation (SUAM).

What I like best is that this isn't a dusty museum where you can only look. Only when the mill is turning do you truly appreciate the amount of technology and craftsmanship behind this centuries-old structure.

Wooden gears, massive beams, and everything is powered exclusively by... the wind.

No power outlet required.

That remains remarkable.

And if you're in the mood for windmills? Then another delightful surprise awaits you a little further on: Molen De Dog . Two completely different windmills, each with its own story and perhaps the most charming names in North Holland. It's fun to visit both as part of a hike or bike ride.

Practical and good to know

Location | De Kat Mill – Uitgeest

Opening Hours | The mill is regularly open when volunteers are present. Please check the website beforehand.

More information | https://www.suam.nl/molen-de-kat

Additional tip | Combine your visit with a trip to the Mole de Dog , which is located nearby. Further information can be found at: https://www.suam.nl/molen-de-dog

This event is part of Uitgeest's local events calendar. The full events calendar can be found at https://www.boutiquestay.nl/uitagenda

5 Facts About De Kat Mill

• Suddenly you see windmills everywhere 😄 After a visit to De Kat, you'll suddenly spot windmills on every car or bike ride. Believe me... it's contagious.

• Even their names are an experience in themselves: The Cat and the Dog. That alone makes you want to see them both.

• Wind is actually good news here. While most people hope for calm weather, millers actually wish for a light breeze. Only then does the mill truly come to life.

• This is an unexpectedly wonderful outing. You might think, "We'll just pop in for a bit." And before you know it, half an hour has passed because you want to see everything.

• You really don't have to be a history buff. To be honest, I'm not either. But once you see how ingeniously a mill like this is constructed, you suddenly understand why it fascinates so many people.