Kinderdijk is a village near Rotterdam.
Kinderdijk is popular for tourism due to its historic windmills, UNESCO World Heritage status, and scenic landscape.
It offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Dutch history, culture, and innovation in water management, making it a must-visit destination for travelers to the Netherlands.
Historic Windmills
Kinderdijk is home to a collection of 19 well-preserved windmills, dating back to the 18th century.
These windmills were originally built to drain excess water from the low-lying polder and prevent flooding, a constant threat in the Netherlands due to its low elevation.
The windmills at Kinderdijk are a symbol of Dutch ingenuity in water management and are among the most iconic landmarks in the country.
The etymology of the name “Kinderdijk”
During the Saint Elizabeth’s Flood of 1421, which devastated large parts of the Netherlands, a wooden cradle containing a baby was found floating in the floodwaters near a dyke breach. The baby was miraculously unharmed, and the event was interpreted as a sign of divine intervention.
The name “Kinderdijk” is derived from the Dutch words “kinder” meaning “children” and “dijk” meaning “dyke“.
Therefore, “Kinderdijk” can be translated as “Children’s Dyke” in English.
The name is thought to commemorate the legend of the found baby and the symbolism of hope and survival amidst the devastation of the flood.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The windmills of Kinderdijk, along with the surrounding landscape, were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of their cultural and historical significance.
The site is considered an outstanding example of human ingenuity in harnessing wind power for land reclamation and flood control, and it attracts visitors from around the world who come to admire its beauty and learn about its history.
Scenic Landscape
The Kinderdijk area features a picturesque landscape of canals, dikes, and meadows, dotted with the iconic silhouette of the windmills.
Visitors can explore the area on foot or by bike, following designated walking and cycling paths that offer stunning views of the windmills and the surrounding countryside.
The landscape is particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset, when the windmills are bathed in soft, golden light.
Hours：Summer 9:00-17:30
Winter 10:30-16:00
Fee：€18
Tickets >>
MAP：Nederwaard 1, Kinderdijk
URL：Kinderdijk.com
To Kinderdijk form Rotterdam
By Waterbus; One of the most scenic and convenient options is to take a Waterbus from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk. Waterbus line 202 departs from Rotterdam’s Erasmusbrug and stops at Kinderdijk. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, and you’ll enjoy scenic views of the river along the way.
By Car; If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car or use your own vehicle to reach Kinderdijk from Rotterdam. The journey by car takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. There are parking facilities available near Kinderdijk for visitors arriving by car.
By Bicycle; For a more active and leisurely option, you can rent a bicycle in Rotterdam and cycle to Kinderdijk. The route follows scenic cycling paths along the river and through picturesque Dutch countryside, and it takes about 1.5-2 hours to reach Kinderdijk by bike from Rotterdam.
