Ever wondered why the Netherlands is synonymous with windmills? It’s not just a happy coincidence or a quirky tourist attraction. The Dutch, faced with a watery dilemma, turned their landscape into a feat of engineering genius.
With much of the country lying below sea level, windmills were the heroes that tamed the rising tides. Built as early as the 13th century, these towering structures drained waterlogged fields and reclaimed habitable land.
Imagine harnessing the wind to make your backyard livable, now that’s eco-friendly ingenuity!
Windmills as Helpers
Draining water wasn’t the only trick up these wind-powered sleeves. As time went on, Dutch windmills became multi-taskers, grinding grain into flour, sawing logs into planks, and even producing oil, paint, and paper. Each windmill had its specialty, like “De Zoeker” grinding oil or “Het Jonge Schaap” cutting timber at Zaanse Schans. They were like the original industrial machines but with the bonus of a scenic view.
How do wind turbines work? - Rebecca J. Barthelmie and Sara C. Pryor
TED-Ed
The Golden Age and Decline
At their peak, the Netherlands boasted nearly 10,000 windmills, spinning away under the vast Dutch skies. But, progress marched in with steam engines and electricity, making windmills less essential. Today, only about 1,000 remain, preserved as historical monuments or tourist attractions. Places like Kinderdijk and Zaanse Schans offer a glimpse into this golden age, combining history with Instagram-worthy backdrops.
Where to See These Beauties
If you’re visiting the Netherlands, start with Zaanse Schans, just outside Amsterdam. This open-air museum features working windmills and traditional crafts, from cheese-making to wooden shoe carving. Want something more serene? Head to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where 19 majestic windmills line peaceful canals. You can even bike around them for an authentic Dutch experience. Don’t forget to check out Windmill Day in May, when the country’s windmills synchronously spin in celebration!
The windmill is a postcard-perfect symbol, a testament to the Dutch spirit of innovation and determination, and a historical attraction. Before you go, check which windmills are working as some windmills operate seasonally, so to not miss your chance to see these engineering masterpieces in action!
