A trip to Holland during the May holidays is the perfect choice. Here, you’ll find the Keukenhof Park, dotted with millions of spring flowers, the village of Giethoorn, often called the Dutch Venice, and numerous windmills in the village of Kinderdijk, which for me personally, are associated with the arrival of spring.
Kinderdijk, a village that seems to have sprung from the pages of a storybook, is one of those rare places where history, nature, and culture blend seamlessly. Nestled in the heart of Holland, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an iconic collection of windmills that have stood the test of time, silently guarding the land from the encroaching waters. My visit to Kinderdijk was nothing short of enchanting, and I can’t wait to share with you the must-see places and experiences that make this village a true gem.
Tracing the history of the Kinderdijk Windmill Village.
It is said that the village of Kinderdijk, which translates to “Children’s Dike” in Dutch, got its name from an unusual event. Once, in 1421, a terrible flood occurred. After the storm subsided, people went to see what had survived and found a cradle in the water. They didn’t expect to find anyone alive, but miraculously, there was a sleeping, healthy, and dry baby inside.
There are 19 windmills in total. Their construction began in 1740 to protect the polders from flooding. Since the southern part of the country was below sea level, enormous efforts were needed to hold back the forces of nature.
Holland is a very small country, and the land is limited. Thanks to the windmills, enterprising Dutch people were able to reclaim the sea floor, and now a third of the country is essentially former North Sea territory.
The windmills were also useful during wartime when there was a need to produce diesel fuel. They ground coffee with grain and sawed wood.
This continued until the 20th century when modern pumps were invented. The windmills stopped being used for their original purpose, but they were not abandoned. All 19 of them are in perfect working condition and sometimes even come to the rescue when modern technology breaks down.
Kinderdijk today.
There’s so much grace and charm in these simple windmills…
Today, the Kinderdijk windmills have become something like the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The sharp silhouettes of 19 elegant structures are painted against the backdrop of rural idyll. In the evening, when the colorful lights are turned on, fairy-tale shadows begin to glide over the water. It’s hard to believe that the village was once destroyed by a powerful flood that claimed many lives.
The windmills are not just functional buildings; they are also homes for the locals. Almost all the mills (18 out of 19) are inhabited by millers and their families, and the nineteenth houses a museum. It’s amazing how people manage to preserve continuity in this business. For me, it remains a great mystery, as the windmills are home to generations of millers who don’t even think about changing their place of residence or occupation.
Rustic pastorals of Kinderdijk.
We were very fortunate to see the village of Kinderdijk in all its beauty and without tourists! Only 6-7 people arrived with us on the meteor from Rotterdam. We calmly walked around, took pictures, and enjoyed the moment.
The silence around the windmills is occasionally broken by the sounds of nature: the chirping of crickets, the splash of frogs, and the bubbling of other creatures. In the river, clever fish and elusive water striders abound.
Kinderdijk is a rural idyll: windmills, wooden houses, craft workshops, and peacefully grazing sheep and cows that complete the idyllic landscapes as if they had stepped out of the canvases of Flemish painters.
This small trip revealed Holland to me from its best side. Before, I couldn’t have imagined that such beauty was hidden in this miniature country.
P.S. If you love country pastorals and windmills, don’t forget to visit the village of Zaanse Schans, not far from Amsterdam. There are several real windmills, most of which operate as a museum, a workshop-shop for traditional clogs, and an old cheese factory.
Want to learn more about Holland? Click here to get the most interesting ideas of things to do in the country.
What to see and to do in the village of windmills in Kinderdijk.
The windmills of Kinderdijk: As I strolled along the narrow paths, the sight of these towering structures, their sails slowly turning in the breeze, transported me back in time. A few of the mills are open to the public, and stepping inside, you can feel the history in the creaking wood and ancient machinery. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb to the top for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding polders.
Boat tour along the canals: To fully appreciate the beauty of Kinderdijk, I highly recommend taking a boat tour. Gliding through the serene canals, I was surrounded by lush greenery, the gentle hum of windmills, and the occasional splash of a water bird. The boat offers a unique perspective of the village, allowing you to see the mills from the water, as they were originally intended to be viewed. The slow pace of the boat gave me time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere, making it one of the most memorable parts of my visit.
Museummolen Nederwaard: One of the highlights of Kinderdijk is the Museummolen Nederwaard, a windmill that has been meticulously preserved to showcase the life of a miller’s family. Walking through the rooms, I could almost hear the whispers of history—the crackling fire in the kitchen, the ticking of a clock, the distant creak of the mill’s sails.
The Alblasserwaard Polder: For those who love nature, the Alblasserwaard Polder surrounding Kinderdijk is a paradise of green fields, grazing cows, and winding dykes. I spent some time exploring this area on foot, following the paths that crisscross the polder. The expansive views, punctuated by the silhouettes of windmills in the distance, were breathtaking. It’s easy to see why this landscape has inspired so many artists and photographers.
The Sawmill «De Schelde»: A short walk from the main windmill area, I stumbled upon the Sawmill ‘De Schelde,’ an operational wind-powered sawmill that offers demonstrations on certain days. Watching the massive blades slice through logs with the power of the wind was a captivating experience. The sawmill is a reminder of the diverse ways in which wind power has been harnessed in Holland over the centuries.
Other charming places in Holland.
- Magical village of Giethoorn in Holland
- Flower park Keukenhof in the Netherlands
- Where to find flower fields in Holland
- A trip to blooming Haarlem
- Summer pastorals Stayokay Hostel in Bunnik
What need to know.
Opening hours: Kinderdijk is open year-round, but the opening hours vary depending on the season. During the summer months (April to October), the visitor center and mills are open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. In the winter months (November to March), the hours are slightly shorter, typically from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Entrance fees: The entrance fee includes access to the visitor center, two museum mills, a multi-screen film presentation, and a boat ride along the canals. As of 2024, tickets for adults are priced at €16.50, while children aged 4-12 can enter for €8.50.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Kinderdijk is during the spring and early autumn months. In spring, the landscape is adorned with blooming flowers, and the weather is pleasantly mild, making it perfect for exploring the outdoor area. Early autumn also offers beautiful scenery with golden hues and fewer crowds, allowing for a more serene experience.
And if you visit the village of Kinderdijk in winter, you might catch a frost, and the water surface will turn into a natural ice rink. Honestly, it’s a very cool sight and activity. Just imagine yourself performing pirouettes against the backdrop of elegant windmills and snow-covered plants.
Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon is recommended if you want to avoid the peak tourist rush. The lighting at these times is also ideal for photography, with the sun casting a warm glow on the mills and canals.
Where to eat: While Kinderdijk itself is a small village, there are a few cozy spots where you can grab a bite to eat. De Klok, a traditional Dutch café near the entrance, offers a variety of local dishes, from hearty soups to classic Dutch pancakes. For a quick snack, the visitor center has a small café with sandwiches, pastries, and beverages.
Bring comfortable walking shoes: The area around Kinderdijk is best explored on foot, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes.
How to get to the village of Kinderdijk in Holland.
By Train and Bus: Begin your journey by taking a train from Amsterdam Central Station to Rotterdam Central Station, which takes about 40 minutes. From there, hop on Bus 202 or 203 to the Ridderkerk, De Schans stop. The bus ride is around 20 minutes, and from Ridderkerk, you can take the Waterbus to Kinderdijk. The Waterbus is not only a convenient option but also offers stunning views along the river.
By Waterbus: The most scenic and direct route is by taking the Waterbus from Rotterdam Erasmus Bridge directly to village. The ride is about 30 minutes long and offers beautiful views of the Dutch waterways. This is my favorite way to travel to village as the journey itself feels like a prelude to the beauty that awaits you.
By Bus: Alternatively, you can take Bus 489 from Rotterdam Zuidplein to the Alblasserdam, Dam stop. From there, it’s a short walk or bus ride to village of windmills in Kinderdijk.
By Car: If you’re driving, the trip will take about 1.5 hours. The route takes you through charming Dutch landscapes, with plenty of picturesque stops along the way. Parking is available near the Kinderdijk visitor center, but it can be limited during peak hours. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here.
Check Aviasales to find the cheapest flights to Amsterdam if you’re traveling from another country.
My visit left me with a deep appreciation for the ingenuity of the Dutch people and the timeless beauty of their land. If you find yourself in Holland, don’t miss the chance to step into this magical village—where every turn of the windmill tells a story.
Where to stay near the village of Kinderdijk.
If you’re planning a trip to the picturesque village of Kinderdijk in Holland, you’ll want to find the perfect place to stay that complements the serene beauty of the windmills and the peaceful waterways. Here are some delightful accommodations near village.
Hotel Kinderdijk: Nestled just a short stroll from the iconic windmills, Hotel Kinderdijk offers an authentic Dutch experience. The hotel is right on the banks of the river, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The rooms are cozy, decorated with a touch of traditional Dutch design, and many offer a glimpse of the windmills in the distance. Waking up to the sight of these historical structures in the soft morning light is a memory that will stay with you long after your trip.
The hotel also has a lovely terrace where you can enjoy breakfast with a view of the river, setting the perfect tone for a day of exploring. And after a day of wandering through the village and taking in the natural beauty, the hotel’s restaurant serves up delicious local dishes, ensuring that you end your day with a taste of Holland.
Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant de Witte Brug: Located in the nearby town of Lekkerkerk, Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant de Witte Brug is a charming option for those who wish to stay close to village of windmills in Kinderdijk while enjoying the comforts of a more extensive hotel. This hotel is set in a traditional Dutch farmhouse, giving it a unique and welcoming ambiance.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with a mix of modern amenities and rustic charm. In the summer, you can relax by the outdoor pool, or rent a bike from the hotel to explore the surrounding countryside. The hotel’s restaurant offers a range of Dutch and international cuisine, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
Villa Augustus: For something truly special, consider staying at Villa Augustus in Dordrecht, a short drive from Kinderdijk. This hotel is housed in a former water tower and garden, transformed into a stunning and unique accommodation. Every corner of Villa Augustus exudes creativity and charm, from the artistically designed rooms to the lush gardens that surround the property.
The hotel’s restaurant focuses on organic and locally sourced ingredients, many of which come directly from their own garden. Staying here feels like being in a fairytale, with the whimsical design and serene atmosphere making it an unforgettable experience. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to combine their visit to Kinderdijk with a stay in a truly unique setting.
If you liked this post “Country pastorals: The village of windmills in Kinderdijk, Holland” then please follow me on Instagram, so you don’t miss any updates.
I am available for commercial work such as personal photography, brand photography, product photography and more. If you would like to work with me, feel free to email me – hello@foxgleann.com.
