Today, windmills are primarily associated with the Netherlands, while in Poland, they are typically seen in open-air museums where only a few buildings have been preserved. This is a misconception. To see windmills and learn about their history, you don't have to go to the Netherlands at all.
How Many Windmills Are There in Greater Poland? They Used to Number in the Thousands
It turns out that a true windmill hub can also be found locally. Years ago, there were about 19-20 thousand windmills in Poland. The vast majority, around 12 thousand, were located in Greater Poland, which for centuries was a center of milling.
The region was dominated by the well-known and most characteristic "koźlak" windmills, made of wood and less frequently of brick, thus typically Dutch. Their name comes from "kozioł," the base of the entire structure, which allows the windmill's body to be positioned according to the wind direction. Today, according to wielkopolska.travel, only about a hundred of them have survived. Tourists can admire half of these thanks to the Greater Poland Windmill Trail.
Windmills Near Poznań: An Extraordinary Route in Poland
Polish Holland is located in southwestern Greater Poland, specifically around Leszno, Kościan, and Przemęt. This is the longest such trail in Europe. Most of the preserved windmills date back to the 17th century, although there are also "newer" ones from the 19th century. Windmills near Poznań can be admired in places such as Rydzyna, Leszno, Osieczna, Krzywiń, Jerka, Racot, Kościan, Śmigiel, Wilkowice, Święciechowa, Łagowo, Grabonóg, Moraczewo, Pępowo, Miejska Górka, Sarnowa, Izbice, and Wolsztyn. Each windmill has its own name.
Therefore, it is worth dividing the trip into two or three routes, depending on whether you are traveling by bike or car. It is good to start the tour in Osieczna. The Brenno windmill, on the other hand, offers accommodation, so it is worth booking a stay in advance. It is a good idea to save Wolsztyn for the end of the trip, where in addition to the wooden windmill in the Folk Architecture Museum, you can also see the famous Steam Locomotive Depot.
