Kinderdijk Windmill Village

Introducing Kinderdijk Windmill Village

Kinderdijk is a village in the province of Zuid-Holland in western Netherlands, partly in Nieuw-Lekkerland and partly in Alblaserdam, 15 km east of Rotterdam. Kinderdijk sits at the confluence of the Lek and Noord rivers. To drain the water, a system of 19 windmills was built in 1740.

This group of old windmills is the largest in the Netherlands. The Kinderdijk windmills have become one of the Netherlands' most famous attractions and were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.

Climate and best time to travel

The Netherlands is located between 51° and 54° north latitude. Influenced by the Atlantic warm current, it has a temperate oceanic climate with warm winters and cool summers.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Tuesday to Saturday 10:00-18:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Kinderdijk Windmill Village

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Kinderdijk Windmill Village is a historic site in the Netherlands, known for its 19 well-preserved windmills. Built in the 18th century to pump water from the land, the windmills are part of a unique Dutch water management system. They are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Dutch ingenuity and history.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Kinderdijk is located in South Holland, near Rotterdam. You can reach it by taking a bus from Rotterdam or Dordrecht. Alternatively, there are bike rental options and boat tours that will take you to the village directly from the surrounding cities.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Kinderdijk is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is pleasant, and the windmills are in full operation. Early morning or late afternoon visits are ideal to avoid crowds.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is approximately €10 for adults, with discounts available for children, students, and groups. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the ticket office on-site.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. You can book tickets up to a few days before your visit to ensure entry, particularly on weekends and public holidays.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

A visit to Kinderdijk typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the windmills, the visitor center, and walking or cycling around the area.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The 19 windmills, which are the heart of the village.
• The visitor center, where you can learn about the history and technology of the windmills.
• The boat tours along the canals, offering a unique perspective of the windmills from the water.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in English, Dutch, German, and French. Audio guides can also be rented at the visitor center for a self-guided tour in multiple languages.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The canal near the windmills offers a beautiful view of the windmills against the sky.
• The viewpoint near the visitor center provides a great panoramic view of the windmills and the surrounding countryside.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start at the visitor center to learn about the history of the windmills.
• Take a walk or bike ride along the canal to get up close to the windmills.
• Finish with a boat tour to see the windmills from a different perspective.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are not available at Kinderdijk, and there are no light shows. However, special tours may be offered during the high season, such as private boat tours or photography tours, which should be booked in advance.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Kinderdijk can get quite busy during peak tourist season (spring and summer), especially on weekends. To avoid the crowds, it is best to visit early in the morning or on weekdays.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• There are toilets available at the visitor center and near the windmills.
• The visitor center has a café offering light meals, snacks, and drinks.
• There are also shops selling souvenirs, including mini windmill models, local crafts, and Dutch-themed items.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Yes, Kinderdijk is accessible for elderly visitors and those with disabilities. Wheelchairs and strollers can be used along the paved paths, and the visitor center is fully accessible. However, some of the windmills may have stairs that are difficult to navigate for those with mobility issues.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards and mobile payments are accepted at the ticket office, shops, and café. Cash is not necessary but can be used if preferred.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• The café at the visitor center offers drinks, sandwiches, and snacks.
• Nearby towns like Rotterdam and Dordrecht offer a wide variety of restaurants and dining options, including Dutch and international cuisines.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available at the café in the visitor center. For halal food, you will need to visit nearby towns like Rotterdam or Dordrecht.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Hotel de Oude Molen in Alblasserdam, close to Kinderdijk, offers comfortable accommodation.
• There are also hotels in nearby Rotterdam and Dordrecht, which offer a wider range of accommodations.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Rotterdam offers a variety of attractions such as the Cube Houses and the Maritime Museum.
• Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, is just a short drive away and offers historic buildings and museums.
• The windmills at Kinderdijk are part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage area, making it easy to combine with other nearby windmill villages.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are souvenir shops at the visitor center selling typical Dutch souvenirs such as mini windmills, tulip bulbs, wooden shoes, and other Dutch-themed items.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• From Kinderdijk, you can take a bus or drive to nearby towns like Rotterdam or Dordrecht for more sightseeing.
• Biking is a great option, as there are many bike paths in the region.