Overview of Kinderdijk
Kinderdijk, located 15 miles east of Rotterdam, is a UNESCO-listed site that features 19 well-preserved windmills. Constructed in the 1600s, these windmills were designed to drain the Alblasserwaard polders, which had been plagued by floods since the 13th century. One significant historical flood, known as the Saint Elizabeth Flood of 1421, inspired the name Kinderdijk, which translates to “children’s dyke” in Dutch. This name originates from a fairy tale involving a wooden cradle spotted floating on floodwaters during the storm.
While modern screw pumps have taken over the job of draining water, visitors can still explore the monumental 17th-century windmills that create the unique landscape of Kinderdijk. Enjoying the views of this stunning environment is free; however, admission fees apply for entering the windmills and participating in special tours.
How to Get There
- By Train and Bus: Kinderdijk is accessible from Amsterdam via Rotterdam and Utrecht. Take the NS train to Rotterdam CS, then transfer to the metro to Rotterdam Zuidplein. Finally, take bus 154 to Kinderdijk. For routes from Utrecht, take the NS train to Utrecht CS, followed by bus 154 to Kinderdijk. Check the NS website for schedules and fares.
- By Boat: From April 3 to October 3, visitors can take a boat from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk. From Rotterdam CS, take tram 8 or 25, or the metro line “Erasmuslijn” to the Leuvehaven stop; boats embark from the Boompjeskade. For current schedules, see the Rebus website.
- By Car: Drivers can reach Kinderdijk via Rotterdam or Utrecht. From Amsterdam through Rotterdam, follow the A4, A13, A20, A16, and A15 to exit 22. If coming from Utrecht, take the A2, A27, and A15 to exit 22.
What to Do at Kinderdijk
- Walk or Cycle the Network of Windmills: Explore the scenic route that showcases all 19 windmills along the picturesque dyke. Maps are available to guide visitors through this unique path.
- Visit an Authentic Windmill: “Windmill 2” in the Nederwaard is open daily from April through October, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with reduced hours on weekends from November to March (10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Admission is €8.00 for adults and €5.00 for children. However, note that the mill may close due to inclement weather, so calling ahead is recommended.
- Enjoy Scenic Tours: From April 1 to October 1, embark on 30-minute canal tours that run daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity for mobility-impaired visitors, as there is limited space for wheelchairs aboard. Tickets cost €5.50 for adults and €3.00 for children aged 4-12.
- Experience Special Events: Throughout the windmill season, from April to the end of October, Kinderdijk hosts several special events including markets, concerts, and festivals. Event schedules can be found on the Kinderdijk website.
Where to Eat
Although dining options at Kinderdijk are limited, visitors can enjoy meals in nearby Rotterdam or Utrecht.
- Partycentrum de Klok offers a limited lunch and dinner menu at reasonable prices in a cozy atmosphere. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- Grand Cafe Buena Vista serves lunch and an extensive dinner menu featuring international dishes, including a variety of Dutch pancakes. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 12 p.m. (kitchen open until 9 p.m.).
