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Kinderdijk

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Landmark
—°10
Kinderdijk (Netherlands)

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Kinderdijk is a world-renowned collection of 19 historic windmills in the province of South Holland, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. These windmills were constructed around 1740 to pump excess water from the Alblasserwaard polder into the River Lek. This sophisticated water management system stands as an exceptional example of Dutch engineering in the long-standing battle against rising water levels. The mills are strategically arranged in two rows and represent various architectural types, including thatched-roof ground-sailers. While modern pumping stations now handle the majority of the drainage work, the mills at Kinderdijk remain fully operational and are still activated on special occasions. The area provides a unique look into historic polder drainage methods and the evolution of windmill technology over the centuries. Today, Kinderdijk serves as a major monument symbolizing Dutch cultural identity and the nation's intimate relationship with water.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C446913161818161285
Rain mm776655385662788770798185

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The windmill village of Kinderdijk is an open area that can be visited from the outside at any time. Some windmills are open inside as museums, usually for a small fee.
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Typical hours
The outdoor area is always accessible; the mill museums usually open from April to October daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. In winter, hours are very limited.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, and the mills are very photogenic. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire group of mills in one shot.
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Time needed
A walk along the mills takes about one hour. If you also visit a mill museum inside, allow 90 minutes to two hours.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby city of Rotterdam, just 20 km away. The Kinderdijk boat tour also makes a great addition from the water.
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Getting there
Kinderdijk is located in South Holland province and is reachable by car via the A15. By public transport, take bus line 190 from Rotterdam Centraal or the water taxi.
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Insider tip
Visit Kinderdijk early morning or late afternoon for the best light for photos. Rent a bike to explore the area along the dikes at your own pace.

Geography

Coordinates
51.88000, 4.63000

Facts

  • The collection consists of 19 windmills built around the year 1740.
  • Kinderdijk was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 for its technical significance.
  • The mills were used to drain water from the Alblasserwaard polder.
  • Several of the mills are now open to visitors as museums.
  • The name Kinderdijk means 'Children's Dike', based on a legend from 1421.
  • The area is situated approximately 1.5 meters below sea level.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

KinderdijkKinderdijk<1 km · NEExplore →
RidderkerkRidderkerk3 km · SWExplore →
AlblasserdamAlblasserdam3 km · SEExplore →
Krimpen aan den IJsselKrimpen aan den IJssel4 km · NWExplore →
ZwijndrechtZwijndrecht6 km · SExplore →
Capelle aan den IJsselCapelle aan den IJssel6 km · NWExplore →
BarendrechtBarendrecht7 km · SWExplore →
DordrechtDordrecht8 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kinderdijk (10)

Nederwaard Molen No.8

Polder mill in Kinderdijk, one of the eight Nederwaard mills.

Nederwaard Molen No.7

Polder mill in Kinderdijk, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Nederwaard Molen No.6

Polder mill in Kinderdijk, one of the historic windmills.

Museum Windmill Nederwaard🏛 museum

Museum in a windmill in Kinderdijk, showing milling technology.

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Ridderkerkse Griend

Nature reserve in Ridderkerk, Netherlands, with floodplain landscape.

Unesco viewpoint - Kinderdijk

Viewpoint in Kinderdijk, offering a view of the windmills.

Visitor centre Wisboom pumping station🏛 museum

Museum in Kinderdijk, providing information about the Wisboom pumping station.

De Gorzen🌳 park

Park in Ridderkerk, Netherlands, a local recreation area.

Boezems Kinderdijk

Nature reserve in Kinderdijk, serving as a bird protection area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Kinderdijk?
The 19 well-preserved 18th-century windmills are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Does it cost to visit?
The grounds are free to walk, but you need a ticket to enter the museum mills.
Can I take a boat tour?
Yes, there are tour boats that offer a great view of the row of windmills from the water.
How far is it from Rotterdam?
About 15 km. Best reached by Waterbus (line 21) in about 30 minutes.
Can I see the windmills in operation?
Yes, if there is enough wind, the sails often turn, especially on weekends.
Kinderdijk: where is it located?
Kinderdijk is located in South Holland, Netherlands.
Kinderdijk: what is there to see?
Highlights include Nederwaard Molen No.8, Nederwaard Molen No.7, Nederwaard Molen No.6.
Kinderdijk: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kinderdijk: why is it worth visiting?
Kinderdijk is a world-renowned collection of 19 historic windmills in the province of South Holland, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

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Rotterdam City Hall is one of the few buildings that survived the Second World War.
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Leiden City Hall has an impressive Renaissance facade.
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The world's largest flower garden, showcasing millions of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils every spring.