The Most Impressive Dutch Windmills

Dutch windmills give shape to the most typical picture of the Netherlands. Giants that still remind us of their role in the economic development of the country. Today we are going to recommend one of the most classic tours of Europe, a visit to the most impressive Dutch windmills .

When you travel to the Netherlands, remember that there are still more than 1000 mills throughout the country, so don’t panic wanting to see them all. Here we will tell you which are the most important.

However, it is difficult to travel through the Netherlands and not come across one of the many mills that exist in any of the states. Thus, traveling to this area of ​​central Europe is synonymous with seeing, even if inadvertently, some of these useful buildings.

The most important Dutch windmills

Next we are going to know the most impressive and important Dutch windmills. In any of them you will enjoy the spectacular nature of these historical buildings that have moved wind, water and grain to facilitate human evolution.

The Dutch windmills of Kinderdijk

We start with the most famous set of Dutch windmills in all of the Netherlands. They are those of Kinderdijk and are recognized as a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

In total, it  is a group of 19 mills destined to the management of the water to avoid floods. All of them make a wonderful picture and are one of the obligatory visits when you go to Holland.

The Dutch windmills of Schiedam

Another of the really nice Dutch windmills are those in Schiedam, dedicated to the production of what is known as Dutch gin.

The Schiedam windmill complex is made up of a total of 5 buildings, with one in particular exceeding 40 meters high. There is no doubt that they are a truly impressive group that would have left Don Quixote himself speechless.

The Dutch windmills of Zaanse Schans

We finish our walk through the most impressive Dutch mills stopping our walk in the group of Zaanse Schans, a wonderful open-air museum with magnificent centuries-old mills.

In the past, three centuries ago, the Zaanse Schans area had more than 600 windmills dedicated to the production of mustards, oils, paints, shelves and paper. This place was the most important industrial center on the planet. Today it is remembered thanks to the museum that recalls the history of this site and is dedicated to the conservation of clean air.

The history of the Dutch windmills

Dutch windmills are a living part of the country’s history. The innovation capacity of its people allowed these constructions and other inventions such as dikes and fortifications to gain ground from the sea itself.

It is not surprising that the Netherlands became an industrial and commercial center of great importance since the dawn of the Middle Ages. In fact, the first mill on record dates from the 8th century.

With these unique buildings, water pumping techniques were created that served to dry out the marshes and lakes to ensure that the farmlands were not flooded.

But in addition to draining water, they were also used for other tasks, such as irrigating farmland or the production of all kinds of food and materials.

Dutch mills in operation

Although it may seem incredible, there are still Dutch mills in operation, as their service continues to be very useful despite the years that have passed. However, it is a small amount when compared to the more than 1000 of these buildings that still remain standing.

However, there are still two of the 19 mills in Kinderdijk that serve as drainage for the water. Also the De Otter mill, located in Amsterdam, the capital, which is used for this same purpose.

Other mills that are still in operation can be found, for example, in Leiden, where the De Valk mill is in charge of grinding grain and acts as a museum, so that the visitor knows how these buildings worked.

There is no doubt that the Dutch windmills are a sight worth visiting and seeing. Wait no more, put on your most comfortable boots and prepare your backpack for a route full of history and charm.