Hi Lykkers! If you've always wanted to see traditional Dutch windmills, Kinderdijk is a dream come true.
This charming village near Rotterdam is home to 19 historic windmills—some still working—and offers peaceful views, cycling paths, boat rides, and a deep dive into Dutch water history. Let's walk through everything you need to plan a perfect trip to Kinderdijk, step by step.
Where Is Kinderdijk and Why It's Famous
Kinderdijk is in the province of South Holland, just 15 kilometers (about 9 miles) east of Rotterdam. Built in the 1740s, the windmills here form the largest group of old windmills in the Netherlands. Their original job? Pumping water to keep the lowlands dry. Today, they're a proud symbol of Dutch engineering and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to Get There: Simple and Scenic Routes
From Rotterdam, we can get to Kinderdijk in two convenient ways:
1. By Metro + Bus (Budget-Friendly):
- Take the metro from Rotterdam Central to Zuidplein
- Transfer to Bus 90 toward Kinderdijk
- The bus stops right at the entrance. Total time: about 50 minutes
- Great for budget travelers!
2. By Waterbus (Most Scenic):
- Head to the Waterbus stop near the Erasmus Bridge
- Take Waterbus Line 20 or 202 to Ridderkerk, then switch to the small Driehoeksveer ferry to Kinderdijk
- Beautiful river views along the way. Time: 45–60 minutes
- Highly recommended on sunny days!
Tip: You can use your public transit card, and the boat ride is as affordable as a bus ticket.
Admission Prices: What's Free and What's Not
Exploring the walking paths and viewing the windmills from the outside is free. But to go inside the windmills or take a canal boat, we'll need a ticket. Here's a price guide (converted to USD):
- Adults: $8.00
- Children (6–12 years): $6.00
- Children under 6: Free
- Group Discount (15+ people): Save $1.00 per person
- Online Booking: Get 10% off your ticket (valid only on the day you choose)
Tickets include access to:
- Two museum windmills
- A multimedia film presentation
- Walking paths and outdoor areas
- Boat rides require an extra small fee
Opening Hours Throughout the Year
Kinderdijk is open most of the year, but hours depend on the season:
- March 14 – November 1: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- November 2 – December 30: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Closed: January 1 – February 14 for maintenance
Special days to consider:
- National Windmill Day: Second Saturday of May—all 19 windmills open. Free entry!
- Illumination Week: Second week of September—windmills are lit up at night, creating a magical view
Best Time to Visit: Avoid the Rush
- April to May: Spring flowers and mild weather
- September to early October: Crisp skies and fewer tourists
- Weekdays: Mornings before 10:00 AM are the quietest
- Avoid: Mid-summer weekends due to large tour groups
Top Things to Do at Kinderdijk
Here's how we can make the most of our visit:
- Rent a bike to cruise along the windmill-lined canals
- Hop on a boat to glide past the windmills from the water
- Explore a museum windmill and see old-style Dutch life
- Watch the short film to learn how water management works
- Take stunning photos during golden hour (sunrise or sunset)
Useful Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Wear comfortable shoes—there's lots of walking on gravel paths
- Dress for the wind—it can be chilly even in summer
- Bring water and snacks—cafés are limited inside the site
- Download an offline map—cell signal (mobile network) may be weak
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching and better views
Let's Feel the Wind Together
Kinderdijk is more than just a beautiful place—it's where history, nature, and Dutch ingenuity come together. As we stroll along the peaceful paths, listen to the rhythm of the turning sails, and peek into the cozy interiors of the windmills, we're stepping into a story that's still alive today.
Lykkers, this is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression. Let's pack our curiosity and head to Kinderdijk. The wind is calling—let's follow its path together!
