A Stroll Through the Netherland's Zaanse Schans

Ah, windmills.

When I was planning my trip to the Netherlands, visiting the Dutch windmills was very high on my list.

I couldn’t put my fingers on why. Maybe it’s because I know very little about how windmills work. Maybe it’s more superficial, that I like the look of windmills as a backdrop in a rustic landscape. Or perhaps the reasons run deeper; that they remind me of the ingenuity of humankind to harness the power of nature to solve problems. Regardless, I knew the idyllic setting would make for a good place to ponder on the dichotomy of life.

Whatever the reason, I knew I had to visit the windmills. What was important to me was that we went out there to explore. We visited a less crowded wind (water) mill before visiting the more popular Zaanse Schans. The windmills are quaint and unique, just as I thought they would be.

Exploring the Windmills

a windmills in the background — View from a windmill.

a diagram of a boat — 1/3 of the Netherlands actually lie below sea level (yes, this includes the Schiphol airport). Through an intricate system (in the building of dykes and the use of windmills, the latter of which is largely replaced by electric pumping stations), lands were reclaimed for use.

a group of windmills on a lake — Zaanse Schans. Trekked over to visit one of the mills with our guide. Also, we got photo-bombed in a group pic.

a wood wall with pictures and text — We decided to visit Het Jonge Schaap (a sawmill)

a woodworking machine with a wood beam — This is where the action is at.

a wooden wheel with a red and blue stripe on it — Behind the scenes of how all the action happens.

a wooden shed outside of a building — Work in Progress. Reminds me of a synchronicity.

a bridge over a river with people walking on it — A picturesque afternoon.

If you find yourself in the Netherlands and you are looking for something relaxing to do, a stroll through Zaanse Schans is certainly a good way to spend an afternoon.

Have you visited the windmills, in the Netherlands or elsewhere? What have you found most interesting about them?

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