Kinderdijk: Iconic windmills with scenic views
Visitor Fee
Kinderdijk is free to visit, but access to some attractions requires a ticket:
- Standard Entry Ticket (Museums, Windmills, Visitor Center, & Boat Ride) – €19.50 for adults, €7.50 for children
- Boat Tour Only – Around €9.00
- Walking & Cycling Paths – Free access
Transportation
Kinderdijk is located near Rotterdam and is accessible by various means:
- By Bus – Bus 489 from Rotterdam or Dordrecht stops near Kinderdijk.
- By Waterbus – From Rotterdam, take the Waterbus Line 20 to Ridderkerk, then transfer to the ferry to Kinderdijk.
- By Car – Parking is available near the entrance for €9.00 per day.
- By Bicycle – Kinderdijk is easily reachable by bike from Rotterdam (15 km) and Dordrecht (10 km).
Things to Do in Kinderdijk
- Explore the 19 Historic Windmills – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with mills dating back to 1740.
- Visit the Museum Windmills – Enter two working windmills to see how millers lived.
- Take a Boat Tour – Cruise along the canals for stunning views of the windmills.
- Learn at the Visitor Center – Discover the history of Dutch water management.
- Walk or Bike Along the Dikes – Scenic routes through the beautiful Dutch countryside.
- See the Pumping Stations – Learn how modern and historic technology work together to prevent flooding.
- Photography & Birdwatching – Capture picturesque landscapes and spot local wildlife.
- Visit the Wisboomgemaal Museum – An interactive exhibit about water management.
Why People Enjoy Visiting Kinderdijk
- Iconic Dutch Windmills – A symbol of the Netherlands' battle against water.
- UNESCO World Heritage Status – A protected historical site with global significance.
- Peaceful & Scenic Atmosphere – Quiet countryside with canals, fields, and wildlife.
- Educational Experience – Learn about Dutch engineering and water management.
- Perfect for Outdoor Activities – Ideal for walking, cycling, and boat tours.
How Old is This Place?
Kinderdijk’s windmills were built around 1740, making them nearly 300 years old. However, water management in this region began in the 13th century, making Kinderdijk’s history over 800 years old.
List of Activities
- Tour Inside a Windmill – See how traditional Dutch windmills work.
- Boat Cruise Along the Canals – Get a unique view of the windmills from the water.
- Walk or Bike Around the Site – Enjoy scenic paths along the dikes.
- Learn About Water Management – Visit the Wisboomgemaal Museum & Visitor Center.
- Photography & Nature Watching – Capture the beautiful windmills, waterways, and wildlife.
Additional Nearby Attractions
- Rotterdam – A modern city with iconic architecture and the famous Erasmus Bridge.
- Dordrecht – A historic town known for its canals and medieval buildings.
- The Biesbosch National Park – A nature reserve ideal for hiking and boat tours.
- Gouda – Famous for its cheese markets and historic center.
- The Hague – Home to royal palaces, museums, and international institutions.
- Schiedam – Known for its historic gin distilleries and tall windmills.
Kinderdijk is a must-visit destination for those interested in Dutch history, windmills, and water management, offering a peaceful escape into the countryside of the Netherlands.