Kinderdijk Windmills Guide
A Symphony of Sails: Exploring the Iconic Kinderdijk Windmills Guide
Prepare to be captivated by the iconic Kinderdijk Windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a quintessential Dutch landscape. These nineteen majestic windmills, standing proudly against the horizon, are a testament to the Netherlands' centuries-long battle against the water. More than just picturesque landmarks, they represent a remarkable feat of engineering and a vital part of Dutch history. The Kinderdijk windmills were built around 1740 as part of a larger water management system designed to drain the Alblasserwaard polder. Before the advent of modern pumping stations, these windmills were the primary means of controlling water levels, preventing flooding, and making the land habitable and fertile. Each windmill housed a family who were responsible for its operation and maintenance, a demanding and crucial role in the community. The windmills worked in a tiered system, lifting water from lower canals to higher ones, eventually discharging it into the Lek River. Today, visitors can explore the windmills up close, stepping inside a working mill to see the intricate machinery and learn about the lives of the millers. Take a boat tour through the canals for a unique perspective of the landscape, or rent a bike and cycle along the scenic paths that wind through the polders. Several windmills are open to the public, offering guided tours and demonstrations. Don't forget to indulge in some traditional Dutch snacks like herring or bitterballen at one of the local cafes.
Transportation
From Rotterdam, take RET bus line 489 to Kinderdijk. The bus stops near the entrance to the Kinderdijk area. From Dordrecht, take Waterbus line 23 to Kinderdijk. The Waterbus offers a scenic route along the river.