Hey Lykkers! Have you ever wondered what it's like to visit a place where windmills rule the land and history comes alive with every turn of the blade? Today, we're off to the world-famous Kinderdijk Windmill Village in the Netherlands—where centuries-old windmills still proudly stand tall.
Whether you're into history, nature, or just chasing postcard-perfect views, this spot is a must-see. Let's take a closer look.
The Iconic Windmills of the Netherlands
When we think of the Netherlands, windmills instantly come to mind. These aren't just pretty landmarks—they were designed to drain water, grind grain, and help the Dutch live in harmony with their watery environment. Their existence reflects centuries of innovation and resilience.
And today, we can still visit many of them—especially at one of the most magical windmill sites just outside of Rotterdam.
Kinderdijk Windmill Village – A Living Storybook
Kinderdijk is home to 19 traditional windmills, many built in 1740. It's such a treasure that it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The windmills are lined up along peaceful canals and grassy walkways, making it feel like you're walking through a dream.
We can walk or cycle through the village, and even take a boat tour along the waterways. Two of the windmills are open to the public, where we can step inside and experience what life was like for the millers.
📍 Location
Kinderdijk is about 15 km (9 miles) southeast of Rotterdam, in South Holland.
🚆 How to Get There?
- From Rotterdam Central Station:
Take metro line D or E to Zuidplein, then switch to bus 90 toward Kinderdijk Molenkade. Total travel time is around 1 hour.
- By Waterbus (April to October):
Take the Waterbus Line 202 from Rotterdam's Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug). It's a scenic and fun 30–40 minute ride on the river.
- By Bike:
For a real Dutch experience, rent a bike in Rotterdam and cycle to Kinderdijk in about 1 hour along well-marked riverside paths.
🕙 Opening Hours
Outdoor area (walking paths, canals):
Open 24/7, year-round, and free to enter.
Visitor Center & Museum Windmills:
March to October: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
November to February: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
💰 Admission Fees
Outdoor area: Free
Museum entry (includes 2 windmills, visitor center, boat ride, and film):
Adults: €19.00
Children (ages 4–12): €8.50
Kids under 4: Free
Tip: Book online to skip the line and sometimes get a small discount!
Experiencing the Calm of Kinderdijk
If we visit Kinderdijk in the morning, we'll find peaceful paths and soft sunlight reflecting off the canals. The windmills stand tall and silent, almost like guardians of Dutch history. It's a quiet moment, perfect for slowing down and soaking it all in.
A Picture-Perfect Landscape
The surroundings feel like a dream. There are wide open skies, canals that gently curve through the land, and tall grasses swaying in the breeze. The windmills look like they're dancing slowly with the wind, creating a view that's almost too beautiful to be real.
A Timeless Experience
Walking through the village, we see how well the windmills have been preserved. Some are nearly five stories high, still with working blades. Even after hundreds of years, they stand strong—a powerful reminder of Dutch ingenuity.
Kinderdijk isn't just a place to take photos; it's a chance to step into a different time, when the wind and water shaped daily life.
We hope this virtual tour has sparked your curiosity, Lykkers! If you ever get the chance to visit the Netherlands, don't miss Kinderdijk. It's peaceful, beautiful, and full of stories waiting to be discovered.
Have you ever visited a windmill village before? Or is the Netherlands on your travel list? Let us know—we'd love to hear your dream destinations!
Keep exploring, and let the windmills guide you to new adventures!
