Windmills built the Netherlands!

When I first moved to the Netherlands, I had a list of things I couldn’t wait to see... the tulip fields, the canals, and of course, the famous Dutch windmills. I had seen them in pictures so many times, and I remember drawing them on my sketchbook when I was young. I was also drawing tulips back then. (Yes, realizing this made me feel like I was destined to come here!). 

But what I didn’t realize was that windmills here are more than just pretty landmarks. Some people say that they are almost quite literally, 'the reason the Netherlands exists'. Why? Because without them, a third of this country—including cities like Amsterdam where I live — would be underwater! That realization blew my mind!  I mean, I knew the Netherlands was a low-lying country (the name itself means 'low lands'), but it didn't really occur to me that what's keeping the land safe from water are their windmills. It's their secret weapon! 

So, if you’re an expat or an immigrant mom like me, especially a Filipino mom trying to make sense of this fascinating country, i-explain ko po sa inyo. Let me share with you what I’ve learned about windmills. Trust me, after this, you’ll never look at them the same way again.

How Windmills Helped Build the Netherlands

So during the 14th or 15th century, the Netherlands is covered in marshlands, lakes, and swamps. People want to farm and build homes, but there’s just too much water everywhere. So they needed to find a way to solve this problem.  And that's where the windmills come in. The Dutch engineered  'polder windmills'. These work like giant pumps to drain water  from the land and push it back into the rivers. Para po siyang poso. This allowed them to create farmland, build villages, and expand their cities... literally making land out of water!

One of the best examples of this is Kinderdijk, a small village in South Holland with 19 windmills still standing in perfect rows. We love taking photos when we bring visitor there! All those windmills I believe were built in the 18th century. It prevented flooding back then and guess what? They still work today! So maybe if ever the pumping station fail, these centuries-old windmills can be activated as back up, maybe?? 

Did you know? The Netherlands once had more than 10,000 windmills, making it the most wind-powered country in history!

Windmills Were Also the First Factories! 

Long before electricity and machines, the Dutch used windmills to grind grain into flour, saw wood for shipbuilding, and even make paint. There's a place near Amsterdam called Zaanse Schans. A very touristy area too! There you can still see these working industrial windmills in action. I've been there with my family many times, since we love nearby and it's definitely the place to bring visiting family! But yes, it's crazy to think that something as simple as wind power helped build ships that sailed the world back then.  

Fun fact: The Dutch Golden Age (when the Netherlands became one of the richest countries) was powered by windmills!

A Secret Windmill Language?

You heard it right. It also totally surprised me, but when my husband told me about it, I was amazed! Before telephones were invented, the Dutch people found means to communicate and even send "secret messages' using the windmills! How? It was based on the position of the windmill's blades, or based on how they place the canvas cloth on its blades.  

The position of a windmill’s blades was a way to communicate with nearby villages. For example: 
🔹 Blades in an “X” shape  – means the miller is resting, no work today.
🔹 Blades are slightly tilted to the right, and/or with flags – Something happy is happening (maybe a wedding or festival!).
🔹 Blades stopped at an angle tilted to the left  – A sign of mourning (used when someone passed away).

During World War II, secret windmill codes were even used to warn people about the incoming enemy soldiers!

Where to go for Dutch Windmills as an Expat 

If you’re living in the Netherlands, or even just visiting, seeing a windmill is great but getting inside one is even a fun and educational experience for your whole family. It was for me and here are my two favorite spots but you can also have a look at a lot more!

Kinderdijk

This is the most famous windmill site and a UNESCO heritage site! It is great for a bike ride and a boat tour as well. When you visit, make sure you check out their feature windmill where you can see the inside and learn about how the millers lived!  

Zaanse Schans

This is a living museum with working mills. Another tourist spot where you can watch wooden clog-making and cheese-making demonstration (and do some cheese tasting as well!). They have fun and super kid-friendly activities especially on the weekends. A great treat for local and international visitors for real! 

Bringing a Bit of Dutch Windmill Culture into Your Home

Even if you'd like to bring a little bit of Dutch heritage into your home, here are some ideas:  
DIY Paper Windmills – Easy versions can be found on YouTube on how to make these with your kids! 
Read a Windmill Story – Have you heard of the book 'The Boy Who Held Back the Sea'? Try to read them to your kids. 
Bake Dutch Treats – Try making stroopwafels (which are caramel waffles) or poffertjes (mini pancakes).

Are you interested in more Dutch food and snacks? Check out my YouTube channel for more by clicking here. 

So for my final thought, before I learned all this about the windmills here in the Netherlands, I just thought windmills were a nice background for photos. Hehe, But now, I have a better appreciation for them. I see them as symbols of Dutch resilience, engineering, and survival. So next time that you see a windmill, whether it'd be as a photo, in a movie or you yourself do pass it by during a road trip or a bike ride, do know that without these windmills, this country might not have even been here! And as an immigrant mom, I can also say.. maybe this is something we can relate to in our way - to build a home, even when the odds are against us. 

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