Dutch Windmills near Amsterdam

Introduction to Dutch Culture

Dutch culture is deeply rooted in its history and heritage, with windmills being a quintessential symbol of the Netherlands. The country’s unique landscape, with its low-lying lands and numerous waterways, has played a significant role in shaping its culture and traditions. Visitors to the Netherlands can experience the country’s rich heritage by visiting charming villages like Zaanse Schans, which features traditional wooden houses, a bakery museum, and a variety of windmills. The Dutch are known for their love of cycling, and the countryside offers numerous bike paths and scenic routes to explore. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscape, the Netherlands is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing Dutch heritage.

History of Windmills

The history of windmills in the Netherlands dates back to the 13th century, with the first windmill being built in the early 1200’s. Over the centuries, windmills played a crucial role in the country’s economy, with industrial mills being used for grinding grains, sawing wood, and pumping water. The Dutch developed innovative technologies, such as the paddle wheel and the Archimedean screw, to improve the efficiency of windmills. At the peak of their use, there were over 10,000 windmills in the Netherlands, but today, fewer than 1,200 remain. Despite this decline, windmills continue to be an important part of Dutch heritage, with many being preserved and restored as museums and tourist attractions. Visitors to the Netherlands can learn about the history of windmills by visiting the Zaanse Schans, a residential area in North Holland that features a collection of historic windmills and museums.

Windmills in the Netherlands

The Dutch word for windmills, ‘windmolen’, is a direct translation of the English word. Next to tulips, The Netherlands is also well-known for its windmills, which are an iconic symbol of the country. The first windmills in the Netherlands were built in the province of Groningen. They were used for water drainage and irrigation of the fields and as a source of power for grinding grains. And, over time, their operation expanded to power mills and other machinery. Windmills were later used to generate electricity, and today these old windmills are used primarily for aesthetic purposes (such as for visitors like you, to enjoy and visit!)

The old windmills remaining in the Netherlands are scattered throughout the country, including in Amsterdam, and in the Dutch countryside not far from the capital city, such as the Zaanse Schans, De Beemster, Kinderdijk, and beyond. Historically, there were many more, but fewer windmills are currently in use due to the advent of steam power, which led to their decline.

Windmill Mechanics and Functionality

Windmills are complex machines that use the power of the wind to perform various tasks, such as grinding grains, pumping water, and sawing wood. The basic components of a windmill include the sails, which capture the wind energy, and the millstones, which grind the grain. The Dutch developed a variety of windmill designs, including the post mill, the tower mill, and the smock mill, each with its unique characteristics and advantages. Windmills use a combination of gears and levers to transmit the power of the wind to the millstones, allowing for efficient grinding and pumping. Visitors to windmills can learn about the mechanics and functionality of these machines by taking a guided tour or visiting a mill shop, which often features exhibits and demonstrations of traditional windmill technology. With their rich history, unique design, and importance in Dutch heritage, windmills continue to fascinate visitors from around the world, and the Netherlands remains the perfect destination to experience and learn about these iconic machines

Zaanse Schans

The Zaanse Schans is a 19th-century windmill district in North Holland, Netherlands. Barns coexist alongside windmills and wooden houses, adding to the area's charm. The old windmills of the Zaan district are a popular stop for tourists who want to get a close-up look at old-world engineering. The windmills were originally used to drain water from the polders, which are coastal areas of land that are generally flat and low-lying. The Zaan district is home to some of the oldest windmills in the world, dating back to the 13th century. Among the attractions, the pewter foundry showcases historical crafts from the 18th and 19th centuries. The area is a popular destination for tourists and inhabitants alike, with its picturesque windmills, canals, and other historic buildings. A key attraction is the cheese factory, where visitors can explore traditional Dutch craftsmanship. Additionally, the shops offer a variety of local products and souvenirs, enhancing the cultural exploration of this historical area. During tulip season (between mid-April and early May), it’s easy to combine visiting these windmills with the tulips!

De Beemster

The Beemster is a region in the Netherlands renowned for its windmills. Dikes play a crucial role in managing water levels in this area, enabling effective land use. The area became the world’s first ‘polder’ in 1235. The polder landscape is characterized by a network of canals and embankments, and the Beemster is home to the largest network of canals in the Netherlands. The polder system refers to when the water was drained and land reclaimed from the sea, using windmills to pump water out of the lowlands. Today, the region is home to some of the country’s most iconic windmills, which have been repurposed as museums and hotels. These traditional windmills also played a significant role in producing flour for local culinary experiences. The most famous of these is the Zuiderzee Museum, which is housed in the world’s largest working tide mill.

Kinderdijk

The Kinderdijk windmills of the Netherlands are among the oldest windmills in existence. Notable examples include the windmills at Kinderdijk and Aarlanderveen, which illustrate the evolution and significance of these structures in managing water and harnessing energy.

Imagine the historical significance of these windmills, reflecting on a time when they played a vital role in city life, evoking a nostalgic vision of the past. Built mostly in the Netherlands, they are a testament to the skill and ingenuity of medieval farmers, and they remain a work of art and a major tourist attraction more than 400 years later.

These windmills bring history to life for visitors, offering authentic activities, local flavors, and a rich cultural heritage to enjoy. We can arrange special day trips to these beautiful windmills located in the South of the country.

Wind energy today

The history of the iconic windmills continues to this day, but more in the form of wind turbines. The Netherlands is a leading developer of wind power generation, with about 40,000 wind turbines generating power for more than 4 million households. Many windmill locations are easily accessible via various transportation options.

In the Toms Travel Tours Amsterdam countryside tours, we take you to visit some of the oldest, still operating windmills nearby, or we can take you farther south to Kinderdijk for instance. You can also cycle through these scenic routes, making it an enjoyable way to explore the sights and attractions. Along the way, you will see many of the modern wind turbines and be able to observe their evolution yourself!

Visiting windmills is fun for all ages. For more information on our countryside tours, seeing the windmills, windmills and tulips, or booking directly, please click on the button below!