Its a unique piece of history and the reason why it has earned UNESCO World Heritage status since 1997. Windmills of Kinderdijk Contact us via Email, Messenger or WhatsApp. Have fun. Its not expensive considering that its a full day experience. It is hard to imagine a more quintessential Dutch sight than the still hard-working windmills that dot the landscape at Kinderdijk, pumping water. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey were Phil and Garth and we love travelling, photography and small group cultural adventure tours. This ticket is not for sale on the Waterbus. Take beautiful pictures of this 18th century part of the Netherlands. We headed for a long weekend to see our Dutch friends and visit the Netherlands most famous windmills at Kinderdijk village. Rotterdam & Kinderdijk Windmills The UNESCO World Heritage site that features working windmills from the 18 th century is both historic and incredibly photogenic. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The famous Windmills of Holland, Kinderdijk, captures more than 700 years history of Dutch water management. If youre interested in taking a tour, there isnt really a simple one from Rotterdam that includes a guide and transport unfortunately. Departing Jul 19, 2023. Even when it is peak tourist season, a day trip from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk feels like an escape to a simpler way of life where the people and nature live and work together. Alternatively you can catch the regular bus service from Rotterdams Zuidplein station. Windmills First up is the Wisboom Pumping Station built in 1868 it took over the work from the windmills until 1996 when it was decommissioned. Why? Its a one-hour ride from Rotterdam and though that might seem much to you, locals bike that long all the time to get from one place to the other. Departs: 5:00PM. For the bus option youll need to take the metro from Rotterdam Central Station to Zuidplein. Kinderdijk is a picturesque windmill village located 40 minutes from Rotterdam thats very scenic no matter the season. The UNESCO World Heritage site that features working windmills from the 18thcentury is both historic and incredibly photogenic. You can bring your bike on the waterbus for free. How To Get From Rotterdam to Kinderdijk. Over the centuries, this system has been further perfected and as it is unique in its kind, the entire area was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. Ideally you should take waterbus 202 to go directly to Kinderdijk. You can learn more about the historic and existing water system in area of the Netherlands region and watch a film about the mills. The most striking part of Kinderdijk is the 19 windmills that are still here (and technically operational) that were part of the water management system but theres much more to see and do at Kinderdijk than just that. Go back a thousand years ago and the landscape in this whole area of Alblasserwaard was a huge peat bog. November to March: Everyday between 11:00 to 16:00. 40% of the Netherlands would be flooded if the country stopped pumping and redirecting water. A couples travel blog about cultural adventures in small group tours and travelling independently together. Everything is dressed as a scene from the 1950s with laundry drying on a line and vegetables growing in the garden. You can take waterbus line 202 or 20 to get from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk. Two of the windmills are now museums which you can visit to see how they work and how miller families used to live inside. Ook op reis en in een bus hebbe, Hallo, Zuid-Engeland! This unique place was even listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and now attracts millions of visitors. And the best part is that you dont need to be a history lover to appreciate its beauty. If you need a travel bank card that offers zero transaction fees and free cash withdrawals, read our Best Travel Bank Card guide. Of the 19 Kinderdijk windmills, two of them are open and accessible to the public. Thats why were showing you how you can visit Kinderdijk windmills in Holland by yourself for a fraction of the price and even for free! The UNESCO World Heritage site that features working windmills from the 18 th century is both historic and incredibly photogenic. Kinderdijk is free to visit, as the Kinderdijk windmills are constructed in a public area. Can we travel from Amsterdam to Rotterdam + Kinderdijk in a day and come back the same day? The benefit of having your bike when you arrive is the fact you can then use it to explore the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site as you cycle through the polder amongst the windmills. We also don't like spam ourselves, so don't worry, we won't send emails often. You could opt for a stay in Lekkerkerk only 6 kilometers away. For one of the best backpacker options in the whole country, check out King Kong Hostel. This unique place was even listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and now attracts millions of visitors. We have seen a few in other parts of Netherlands and Belgium, so it isnt a complete bust. This unique place was even listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and now attracts millions of visitors. WebThe Netherlands is famous for its windmills, and the most charming place to admire the traditional Dutch landmarks is at Kinderdijk. I would love to have someone confirm that I am thinking about the right place because I have been desperately trying to find that goat cheese. We took the canal hopper boat from the visitor centre to theBlokweer Mill Museum and then walked back. Well cover how to get there from Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the top things to do in Kinderdijk and how you can rent a bike for the ultimate Dutch experience. Kinderdijks windmills supplied the power needed to pump the water until the invention of steam pumping stations and later diesel and electric pumps which were introduced in 1920. Thats actually how we found out about Kinderdijk. Yes! Many of them are still lived in and on a windy day the sails are let loose to cut through the air like they used to. Between May 1stand 31stOctober, a direct Waterbus runs between Rotterdam and Kinderdijk. You can take a direct Blue Amigo Waterbus public transport ferry from Rotterdams Erasmusbrug pier to Kinderdijk in spring and summer months. Click the icons to share or Pin this post Kinderdijk Windmills A Day Trip From Rotterdam, 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites You Should Visit, 20 Ways to Collect and Display Travel Souvenirs, Best Small Group Tour Companies & Touring FAQ, South Africa 2 Week Itinerary & Explore Tour Review, Kinderdijk Practical Information & Useful Advice, Pin our Kinderdijk travel guide for reference, Kings Day in Amsterdam & Ultimate Travel Guide, Keukenhof Tulip Gardens & Fields Near Amsterdam. It turns out you have to hunt them down a bit more than I expected. WebThe Kinderdijk windmills are located not far from the port city of Rotterdam and the Netherlands' oldest city, Dordrecht. A direct route from Rotterdam Erasmus Bridge to Kinderdijk. WebThe Netherlands is famous for its windmills, and the most charming place to admire the traditional Dutch landmarks is at Kinderdijk. Hey there. It is a shame that the timing didnt work out for us to go out and see them. The best way to experience Kinderdijk and its surrounds is by bike. Waterbus offers one-way, round trip and day tickets. You can use this unique type of public transport using your normal public transport card. When walking the Kinderdijk loop, youll pass both windmills in the green meadows before finishing the loop and returning to the visitor center. Just outside of Rotterdam, Kinderdijks 19 windmills date back to the 17th century and are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a serious note though, if youre looking for the ultimate photography spot in Holland, capturing the the windmills is it. WebThe Netherlands is famous for its windmills, and the most charming place to admire the traditional Dutch landmarks is at Kinderdijk. Make sure you buy your Kinderdijk tickets online. Undoubtedly the most exhilarating part of visiting Kinderdijk is standing amongst the watery fields surrounded by giant wooden windmills. Its free to sign up if its available in your country. WebThe mills of Kinderdijk are on the public road. Walking by the mills over the Molenkade Nederwaard and the Molenkade Overwaard is free of charge. You can technically see the windmills for free, since its free to cycle or walk through the area. Download the Kinderdijk App to get the map for these cycling routes (its free). Kinderdijk You would be back in time for an evening train to Amsterdam. If like us, you enjoy authentic local experiences, learning about cultural history and being in breathtaking natural landscapes, then youll love Kinderdijk as much as we did. The Visitor Centre also has a cafe and a gift store, so it can be a good place to have a rest at the start or the end of your visit to Kinderdijk. You can find the exact hiking trail map on the Kinderdijk App. Alternatively you can cycle around thelonger 5 mile circular route past all the windmills. Kinderdijk Windmills Zaanse Schans is another popular choice. This red brick building once had a steam engine that was eventually replaced by an electrical engine. Over three levels, there are some basic exhibitions giving you a little bit of information about Kinderdijk (although youll get much more within the site itself), and theres a viewing platform on the roof so you can get a sense of the areas layout. Guided day trips and tours to Kinderdijk are expensive. I would have loved to visit! Onze Abel ma, Plottwist: we zijn thuis! There are three ways to get from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk. Kinderdijk is a testament to almost a millennium of human ingenuity and one cats heroism. A system of canals was created to drain the water to the lowest point in the area: Kinderdijk. There are eight mills on both Molenkades. Again a bit further away from the visitor center, are the Lekkerland windmills. Its like a living outdoor museum, oh and its also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It sails all year round. $1,299 USD * Avg Per Person Taxes, fees and port expenses $212.28 USD * DAY 1 - Wednesday , Jul 19. Another top attraction in Kinderdijk is visiting the Biokaas organic cheese farm. Just outside of Rotterdam, Kinderdijks 19 windmills date back to the 17th century and are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are a total of 19 windmills in Kinderdijk, of which 2 are still functional. Then get on bus 154 to get to Kinderdijk. The Nederwaard Mills have brick bodies whereas the Overwaard Mills are covered in thatch. WebThe mills of Kinderdijk are on the public road. $1,299 USD * Avg Per Person Taxes, fees and port expenses $212.28 USD * DAY 1 - Wednesday , Jul 19. And with the miserable weather we had that week, there werent many chances to go. Enjoy! Whats special is Kinderdijks windmills are privately owned homes, usually passed down families for generations. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Kinderdijk As this is a public road, you dont need a ticket to go there (yet). Its actually a (very) modern building, constructed to handle the crowds that come here. (I dont think theres any point coming out here and not doing that. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you enjoyed reading this guide, share it with your friends and family. The Blue Amigo Waterbus ferry from Kinderdijk to Rotterdam, Map of Kinderdijk Windmills and attractions. It has an 11-minute film that explains the broader issue of water management in the Netherlands and how Kinderdijk fits into that. Kinderdijk windmills Simply lock your bike on the bicycle stand and go enjoy the beautiful views from your seat. The public ferry is easy to use and a nice way to see Rotterdam and the shipbuilding heritage along the water to Kinderdijk. I prefer the boat option, though (more expensive but much nicer). The website is managed by the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions. And did you know you can actually visit the Kinderdijk windmills for free? Visit the Kinderdijk windmills at Rotterdam for WebThe windmills of Kinderdijk (Childrens Dike) are a representation and landmark of effective Dutch water management. Also recommended in the area is National Park De Biesbosch; a unique freshwater tidal area with remarkable flora and fauna. How we keep this site running? It should take around 60 75 minutes to cycle to Kinderdijk from Erasmusbrug. Kinderdijk has the highest amount of windmills: 19 historic windmills lined up along the water, creating the beautiful sight youve probably heard of when researching your trip to the Netherlands. Love the photos. Thanks so much for coming back with the info. To get to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam for free, you can burn fat not fuel by cycling there. Thereafter, 0.05 is charged for every minute. Kinderdijk It takes around 40 minutes each way. Well be there on July 2nd and again on July 13th. Its a short 1.8km walk from the entrance of Kinderdijk and you can find it near Nederwaard 5 or the 5th windmill. If youre not going to use a tour to visit Kinderdijk, I recommend buying your entry ticket in advance. It costs 1 to hire the bike for the first 20 minutes. If youre driving, there is limited parking at Kinderdijk. There are fewer visitors there, as they usually stay close to the visitor center. Thats cheaper than the bike rental options we found in Rotterdam. Ah thanks so much Tess, that means a lot! Windmills You wont be able to ride a bike all the way to Kinderdijk as you will need to take a ferry across the water. It should! They are water pumping windmills that are quite literally keeping this area from flooding. April to October: Everyday between 09:00 to 17:30. Looks like I was confused about the spelling of north as well Sorry !! From ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - onboard CELEBRITY APEX. The story was called The Cat and the Cradle and the title sums it up nicely. Walking by the mills over the Molenkade Nederwaard and the Molenkade Overwaard is free of charge. We would recommend buying a ticket from the Kinderdijk visitor centre. OV-chipkaart: checking in and out with your public transport chip card takes place on the quay. As this is a public area, there are no opening hours and you can visit Kinderdijk any time of the day. First, youll need to get the train from Rotterdam Centraal towards De Akkers, then alight at Zuidplein. Especially if you love the great outdoors. Kinderdijk has the highest amount of windmills: 19 historic windmills lined up along the water, creating the beautiful sight youve probably heard of when researching your trip to the Netherlands. The museum mills and other museums are not free to visit; you need to buy a ticket. WebThere are 4 ways to get from Rotterdam Centraal Station to Windmills at Kinderdijk by subway, bus, taxi or car. Save it up for next time! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Taking the Waterbus to Kinderdijk is a great way to see Rotterdams unique rivers and streams from the water. There is just that one big sight attracting millions of visitors: the historic windmills of Kinderdijk. Sign up to the newsletter and receive a free travel budget template to help you plan your next trip. Close to the Netherlands oldest city of Dordrecht and 9 miles from Rotterdam youll find the 19 historic windmills of Kinderdijk. Like how to rent a car in Europe for only 1. The RET public transport chip card that comes with the Rotterdam Welcome Card is not valid on board. Further down the road are even more windmills. They kept the land from flooding and protected the citizens. Its like stepping back in time seeing the artefacts like clogs and old ice-skates in their cosy lounge. Kinderdijk with the Waterbus Last updated: 5th August 2022. Once there, you can admire the many waterways, dikes, mills, and locks and discover how the Dutch have been using the water to their advantage for over 1000 years. You can find the exactKinderdijk walking itineraryonline. The Blokweer mill is unique and different from all other 18 mills. We visited Kinderdijk at the end of March. Its absolutely possible to base yourself in Rotterdam for your stay and simply escape for a Cheers! It should take around 60 75 minutes to cycle to Kinderdijk from Erasmusbrug. If you need to rent a bike in Rotterdam, make sure to read our previous guide. In order to drain the Polder, these windmills were built around the year 1740. Still loving The Netherlands! Head to the Rotterdam Erasmusbrug ferry terminal to take the waterbus from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk. They kept the land from flooding and protected the citizens. . Those museum mills will learn you more about the old millers life in the mill and how the mills work. Over 40% of the Netherlands lies below sea level and Kinderdijk is one such area. Fantastic photos! The windmills are lined up along the water, creating beautiful reflections. At 19, Kinderdijk has the largest collection of functioning historic Dutch windmills in the Netherlands. Kinderdijk is a picturesque windmill village located 40 minutes from Rotterdam thats very scenic no matter the season. WebWorld Heritage Kinderdijk. Kinderdijk We're here to help you plan your next adventure and show you how to travel consciously and sustainably! We all know the dangers of following pretty pictures on Instagram. The Kinderdijk windmills are located not far from the port city of Rotterdam and the Netherlands' oldest city, Dordrecht. Just outside of Rotterdam, Kinderdijks 19 windmills date back to the 17th century and are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. WebNear Rotterdam, youll find Unesco World Heritage Kinderdijk with 19 windmills from the 18th century. We covered in detail how to get from Amsterdam to Rotterdam by bus and train in our Rotterdam Attractions in 2 Days guide. The first museum is Blokweer Mill and the oldest of Kinderdijks mills built in 1630, most of it was rebuilt in 1997 after a devastating fire. Most people dont visit this mill because its further away so there shouldnt be much of a queue to go inside. Recommended option Line 21 ferry 1h 12m Its basically the Polder Hopping Route mentioned in the cycling section, but you walk it instead. See the timetable here. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. They use the swampy reed beds as protection at various times of the year. Today, the function of the windmills have been replaced by high tech water pumping systems. But the windmills have stayed operational, just in case. The area south of Rotterdam was once reclaimed from the river water and an ingenious system was created to keep all the water out. However, Kinderdijk windmills are so much more than a postcard-worthy destination. A ticket will be valid for the three museum windmills, but also for an introductory film, an audio tour and a boat tour along the windmills. Luckily Kinderdijk does more than live up to expectations. Kinderdijk Windmills Take your bicycle with you as you hop on board in Rotterdam or Dordrecht, and set sail for Kinderdijk while you enjoy the stunning views of the rivers that made Holland what it is today. Visiting the museums at Kinderdijk give a unique insight into what life is like living inside a windmill. Is it worth visiting the Kinderdijk windmills? In the Netherlands South Holland province, a network of meticulously preserved 18th-century windmills stand guard over the pastoral plains of Kinderdijk. This means if you click on our links and buy something, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Kinderdijk Not only are they an important part of the Dutch heritage, its a beautiful landscape perfect for some iconic photos. Kinderdijk Windmills Great photos, hope you are still enjoying Holland! Have a question or need advice? You can buy a ticket on the Driehoeksveer with cash or debit card (2.00 one way). They can easily cost anywhere between 200 for group tours to 800 for private tours. We had to take line 20 when we went which makes a short stop at Ridderkerk. However, Kinderdijk windmills are so much more than a postcard-worthy destination. These days Kinderdijk is just 15 kilometres from the countrys second-largest city, Rotterdam. Residents are called millers and must have a mill diploma a commitment to maintaining the mills and keep them in working order because the mills serve as a back up just incase modern equipment fails. By car this would be simple and if youre travelling on public transport, youll still easily be able to do it. Windmills Of Kinderdijk from Rotterdam Deze cookies worden alleen in uw browser opgeslagen met uw toestemming. Located a mere 9 miles from Rotterdam, Kinderdijk is home to the oldest collection of Dutch windmills in the Netherlands, quietly nestled away in the meeting place of the Lek and the Noord rivers. Just look for it under the cycling section. Walking by the mills over the Molenkade Nederwaard and the Molenkade Overwaard is free of charge. Rotterdam has plenty of great accommodation options to suit any taste. Or rent a bike in Rotterdam and do like the locals do: get there by bike! We werent lucky enough to see the purple heron, but we did spot these cute ducks. Kinderdijk Windmills You can easily spend an entire day at Kinderdijk, but wed recommend budgeting between 3 to 5 hours to experience it properly. DAY 2 - Thursday , Jul 20. If youre lucky, on your visit to Kinderdijk, you may have the opportunity to enter a working windmill and see the millers in action. Explore the area from the water by sailing along the mills in one of the boats. This site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List!I'm on a mission to visit as many World Heritage Sites as I can. Trompenburg Arboretum. WebNear Rotterdam, youll find Unesco World Heritage Kinderdijk with 19 windmills from the 18th century. If youre planning to combine the tulip season at Keukenhof in April with Kinderdijk, be prepared to join many other travellers who have the same idea. Kinderdijk windmills Most of the windmills at Kinderdijk have people living in them still and most of them have a millers degree that lets them operate the machinery! Kinderdijk means childrens dike named after a local legend. Rotterdam hasstunning and unique places to stay, including boats and historic monuments. Click the above image of us to read more. should you visit Kinderdijk or Zaanse Schans to see the best windmills in the Netherlands. Our recommendation is visiting Kinderdijk in September when the weather is still great and the tourist crowds are smaller. Take the Waterbus from Rotterdam to the Ridderkerk stop and change to the Driehoeksveer ferry to Kinderdijk. Arranged opposite each other, they form an iconic Dutch image that is popular with many photographers. In order to drain the Polder, these windmills were built around the year 1740. We paid for flights with KLM from Manchester in the. Kinderdijk is the best place to see windmills in the Netherlands because of the high concentration of them.