Laakmolen, Polder windmill in The Hague, Netherlands.
The Laakmolen is a polder windmill in The Hague that operates with horizontal sails positioned near ground level to pump water from surrounding agricultural fields. This drainage system kept water levels balanced and made soggy ground suitable for farming.
Built in 1699, the mill marks an important step in the technological progress of Dutch water control methods. With this innovation, marshland and wetlands could be converted into fertile farming areas.
Today it stands as a protected monument that keeps alive the Dutch tradition of using wind power to manage water and transform the landscape. Visitors can see how this practical solution allowed people to reshape their surroundings for farming and living.
The mill is located at Trekweg 102 and can be easily reached by public transport or bicycle from central The Hague. It is best to check ahead about visiting hours and whether guided tours are offered on the day you plan to visit.
What sets this mill apart is its grondzeiler design, where sail controls are operated directly from ground level without the operator needing to climb the structure. This practical arrangement made the daily work safer and more efficient for those running the machinery.
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