Canals and Windmills
Popular landmarks in Amsterdam
The first thing that comes to mind for many visitors planning a trip to Amsterdam are the canals and windmills. In this truly picturesque city and its surrounding areas, these two structures are common. Canals became important to the city as a method of transporting goods and people while windmills played an essential role in preventing water shortages.
CanalsThe canals in Amsterdam are an important part of city life. Floating flower markets, barges and water taxis all rely on the canals for business. But the canals aren’t just for trade and commerce! Residents of the area who have difficulty finding apartments sometimes invest in houseboats instead. Permits are required for such dwellings, but you’ll find locals living happily amongst the hustle and bustle of canal life.
If you’re planning to tour Amsterdam, a boat ride along the canals is a must. Your guide can point out some buildings that play a part in Amsterdam’s history, and your guide can let you off for quick stops to explore the area on foot. The city’s four major canals are the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Singel and Herengracht, but many smaller canals branch off these waterways.
WindmillsThe Netherlands have become known for their windmills (called “molens”), but these hard-working structures aren’t just for show! Windmills had the crucial role of pulling water into the city and surrounding area. The windmills in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands were also used as sawmills and grain mills. During the height of their popularity, more than 10,000 windmills dotted the Netherlands’ countryside, but today only a scant 1,000 remain.
If you want to see a windmill up close, you don’t have to leave the city! There are eight windmills currently standing in Amsterdam. On the first Saturday of each month, you can see the Fuenmolen windmill in action. This windmill is located within walking distance of the Maritime Museum – letting you visit both attractions in one outing. The Molen Van Sloten and de Otter windmills are among the most popular with tourists because visitors can tour both structures.
Residents of Amsterdam are proud of their windmill heritage. National Windmill Day is held on May 11. On this day, working windmills are open to the public for education and exploration. If you’re in the area on a national holiday or during a festive occasion, you’ll see the windmills decorated with flower garlands and the Dutch flag.
Get a taste of Amsterdam’s past and present by touring the city’s canals and windmills. Both played an integral role in the city’s development in years gone by and in its vibrancy today.
Canals and Windmills
Popular landmarks in Amsterdam
The first thing that comes to mind for many visitors planning a trip to Amsterdam are the canals and windmills. In this truly picturesque city and its surrounding areas, these two structures are common. Canals became important to the city as a method of transporting goods and people while windmills played an essential role in preventing water shortages.
CanalsThe canals in Amsterdam are an important part of city life. Floating flower markets, barges and water taxis all rely on the canals for business. But the canals aren’t just for trade and commerce! Residents of the area who have difficulty finding apartments sometimes invest in houseboats instead. Permits are required for such dwellings, but you’ll find locals living happily amongst the hustle and bustle of canal life.
If you’re planning to tour Amsterdam, a boat ride along the canals is a must. Your guide can point out some buildings that play a part in Amsterdam’s history, and your guide can let you off for quick stops to explore the area on foot. The city’s four major canals are the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Singel and Herengracht, but many smaller canals branch off these waterways.
WindmillsThe Netherlands have become known for their windmills (called “molens”), but these hard-working structures aren’t just for show! Windmills had the crucial role of pulling water into the city and surrounding area. The windmills in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands were also used as sawmills and grain mills. During the height of their popularity, more than 10,000 windmills dotted the Netherlands’ countryside, but today only a scant 1,000 remain.
If you want to see a windmill up close, you don’t have to leave the city! There are eight windmills currently standing in Amsterdam. On the first Saturday of each month, you can see the Fuenmolen windmill in action. This windmill is located within walking distance of the Maritime Museum – letting you visit both attractions in one outing. The Molen Van Sloten and de Otter windmills are among the most popular with tourists because visitors can tour both structures.
Residents of Amsterdam are proud of their windmill heritage. National Windmill Day is held on May 11. On this day, working windmills are open to the public for education and exploration. If you’re in the area on a national holiday or during a festive occasion, you’ll see the windmills decorated with flower garlands and the Dutch flag.
Get a taste of Amsterdam’s past and present by touring the city’s canals and windmills. Both played an integral role in the city’s development in years gone by and in its vibrancy today.
