Who doesn't love windmills? If you're traveling on a Rhine River cruise that begins or ends in the Netherlands, a visit to Zaanse Schans is a must!
The Dutch landscape has been decorated with windmills for centuries, and still today they remain an iconic symbol of the country’s history and culture. They are some of the most well-preserved and impressive examples of technology in the world. Did you know that these windmills were used for many purposes besides pumping water, including grinding grain and sawing wood?
The oldest windmills in the Netherlands date back to the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Besides being used for grinding wheat, rye, and barley, they were also used to drain water from low-lying areas. By the 16th century, they were additionally used for sawing wood, and then in the 19th century to generate electricity.
Today, many are open to the public and are owned by the Dutch government. They are for sure a not-to-be-missed popular attraction. The most famous windmill in the Netherlands is the De Zaanse Schans, which is located just outside of Amsterdam. You can easily visit this as part of a pre or post-land package that can be added to your river cruise.
Are you ready to travel to The Netherlands to see the windmills? Reach out by booking a consultation through my Services page. I'd love to chat!