Nestled in the picturesque wetlands surrounding Dordrecht, just 25 kilometers east of Rotterdam, you'll find nineteen historic windmills, erected between 1738 and 1740. These iconic windmills were ingeniously designed to regulate water levels in the low-lying Alblasserwaard polder, where the Lek and Noord rivers converge, safeguarding the region against the ever-looming threat of floods. Today, they stand as testament to centuries of Dutch expertise in water management. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, the Windmills of Kinderdijk have become one of the Netherlands' most captured and cherished landmarks.

The Tale Behind Kinderdijk's Name

A captivating Dutch legend surrounds the origin of Kinderdijk's name. In 1421, during the Saint Elizabeth flood, the vast Grote Hollandse Waard farming region succumbed to rising waters. Astonishingly, the Alblasserwaard polder remained dry. After the tempest subsided, a curious villager ventured to the dike that separated these two regions to assess the damage. In the distance, he spotted a wooden cradle floating in the water. Drawing nearer, he observed movement, and upon closer inspection, he found a cat tirelessly balancing the cradle by leaping back and forth, preventing water from seeping in. As the cradle approached the dry ground of the dike, the villager discovered an infant girl nestled inside. Thus, Kinderdijk derived its name, signifying 'Children's Dike' in Dutch.

Top 10 Experiences in Kinderdijk

1.Stroll or Bike Through the UNESCO World Heritage Kinderdijk Windmills

The most enchanting way to behold all nineteen UNESCO World Heritage Kinderdijk Windmills is on foot or by cycling along the dike. Ensure your camera is at the ready to capture the mesmerizing landscapes. If you plan to use your own bicycle, reach Kinderdijk via the waterbus (ferry), where bike transport is free (see 'Visiting Kinderdijk' below for more details).

Alternatively, you can rent a bike at 'Cafe De Klok' (Molenstraat 117, 2961 AK Kinderdijk), situated around 500 meters from the windmill entrance. If you're arriving from Alblasserdam, you can rent a bike at 'Tourist Info Alblasserdam' (Zuiderstek 1, 2952 AZ Alblasserdam).

2. Explore the 'Nederwaard' and 'Blokweer' Museum Windmills

Two of the windmills, 'Nederwaard Museum Mill' and 'Blokweer Museum Mill,' are open to the public daily.

Nederwaard Museum Mill:

Blokweer Museum Mill:

3. Step Aboard the 'Alles Heeft een Tijd' Floating Exhibition

Moored next to the Blokweer Museum Mill's yard, the 'Alles Heeft een Tijd' barge, meaning 'Everything Has a Time,' was constructed in 1914 for goods transportation. This sailing vessel is unique in that it has never been motorized, preserving its authenticity. Completely restored and refurbished, it now functions as a floating exhibition where visitors can delve into the history of the Saint Elizabeth flood, the Alblasserwaard's water management system, and the contemporary challenges posed by climate change through three short films.

4. Set Sail on a Boat Tour

During your visit, seize the opportunity to embark on a boat tour. These tours offer ideal vantage points for capturing stunning photographs of the breathtaking scenery. The 'Cruiser' provides a 30-minute round trip (operational until October), while the 'Hopper' follows a set route throughout the day, offering access to the Museum Mills of Nederwaard and Blokweer. Both excursion boats depart from the Middelkade jetty and are wheelchair accessible. Please keep dogs on leashes.

5. Visit the 'Wisboom' Pumping Station

Standing serenely by the gleaming waters of the Kinderdijk basins is the monumental 'Wisboom' pumping station, a crucial link connecting the historical windmills of yesteryears with the modern twin pumping stations along the river dike. This station played a pivotal role in Kinderdijk's water management approach during the early 1990s when it was equipped with a robust, thumping steam engine at its core. As technology progressed, the steam-driven heart was replaced by a whirling electric engine.

Inside the 'Wisboom' premises, you'll uncover a trove of information about Kinderdijk's windmills. By rotating the time wheels and listening to narratives from days gone by, you can journey through history at your own pace. The centerpiece of the Wisboom building is a tabletop polder replica, providing an aerial view of the local Alblasserwaard region, complete with miniature windmills you can set in motion, placing you in charge as you contend with the forces of wind and water. Additionally, you'll find a café and a souvenir shop offering Dutch-themed mementos.

6. Watch the Film at the 'Hulpgemaal De Fabriek' Secondary Pumping Station

Reopened in April 2019 after renovation, the expansive 'De Fabriek' secondary pumping station can be found in the Lower Basin of the Overwaard. A replica of the original auxiliary pumping station, 'De Fabriek' supported the Wisboom pumping station from 1953 until 1995 when it was dismantled following the commissioning of the new G.N. Kok pumping station. Noteworthy for its three pumps, these machines were left behind by U.S. forces after World War II ended.

Today, the multi-screen film at the 'De Fabriek' Auxiliary Pumping Station offers a brief journey through Kinderdijk's history and the origins of the name 'Kinderdijk,' which translates to 'Children's Dike.'

7. Discover the 'Bird Theater'

Kinderdijk is home not only to a remarkable collection of windmills but also to a diverse array of rare and endangered bird species. Seven such species, including the exquisite purple heron, thrive in the swampy reed beds of the region. The Alblasserwaard is an integral part of the Natura 2000 project, a major European initiative aimed at preserving plants, birds, and other wildlife. The 'Bird Theater' introduces you to 22 avian characters from the world of Kinderdijk's birds, from the exceedingly rare to the more common, each contributing to the region's biodiversity.

8. Engage with the Audio Tour

Enhance your Kinderdijk experience by downloading the free Kinderdijk app and activating the audio tour using the number found on your entrance ticket.

9. Unwind and Shop at the Visitor's Center

In 2019, the Visitor Center, inaugurated by Princess Beatrix, became an integral part of the extensive restoration project of the Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage entry zone. The ground floor features a Giftshop showcasing souvenirs and (sustainable) products that capture the essence of the Netherlands and the Kinderdijk ambiance. For relaxation and a magnificent view of the mills, you can visit the Kinderdijk café and enjoy a cup of coffee, an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage, or a freshly prepared sandwich. In fine weather, the delightful outdoor patio, overlooking the water, provides a serene setting to unwind. Restrooms are located in the basement.

10. Embrace the Dutch Tradition of Ice Skating on Frozen Canals

While the Netherlands typically experiences less snowfall and frozen canals during winter, when such a rare occurrence transpires and the Kinderdijk canals freeze over for more than a week, it's time for the locals to don their winter gear and take to the ice. If you find yourself in the Netherlands during this remarkable event, seize the opportunity to ice skate on the canals of Kinderdijk, an experience as cherished as it is rare.