Kinderdijk Windmills: Ultimate Guide to Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Netherlands
By Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough at Wanderers Compass Travel Blog
The Netherlands is synonymous with windmills, and while many iconic images of these structures come from this region, windmills can be found across the globe. As part of an ambitious seven-country tour that included Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands, we knew we couldn’t miss out on visiting the Kinderdijk Windmills. With our limited time, this UNESCO World Heritage site proved to be an ideal stop.
The History of the Kinderdijk Windmills
The Kinderdijk Windmills are the largest windmill concentration in the Netherlands and one of the most impressive collections in the world. Built-in the 1700s to pump water from the polder (low-lying land) into a massive reservoir, the windmills stand tall as national monuments. In total, there are 19 windmills at Kinderdijk, which stretch across a large area, offering expansive paths for walking or biking. The windmills, made of brick, stand as high as 128 feet and are an integral part of the landscape in the Alblasserwaard polder, an area below sea level.
What is a Polder?
To understand the significance of the Kinderdijk Windmills, it’s important first to understand the concept of a polder. A polder is a tract of land reclaimed from bodies of water, such as seas, lakes, or wetlands. This process involves building dykes, drainage canals, and pumping stations to manage water levels. In the Netherlands, where much of the land lies below sea level, polders are essential for farming and habitation. While the Netherlands has a long history of water management, similar techniques can be seen in places like New Orleans, where some areas are also built on polders.
The Kinderdijk Windmills in Detail
The Kinderdijk milling complex is composed of several distinct groups of windmills:
Eight stone brick windmills built in 1738 as part of the Nederwaard Water Board.
Eight thatched windmills built in 1740 as part of the Overwaard Water Board.
Two stone windmills built in 1760 for the Nieuw-Lekkerland Polder.
One windmill from the Blokweer Polder, originally built in 1521, which was restored in 2000 after burning down in 1997.
These windmills are all used for water drainage, and although they are not the primary means of water management today, they continue to stand as remarkable symbols of Dutch ingenuity.
How the Windmills Work
Kinderdijk lies at the convergence of the Lek and Noord rivers, and the area’s struggle with water dates back to the 13th century. Large canals, known as weteringen, were dug to drain excess water, but as the soil settled and river levels rose, the need for more advanced water management became evident. The Kinderdijk Windmills represent the final stage of water drainage in the Alblasserwaard polder before the water enters the sea.
While the windmills were once the primary method of pumping water, today, mechanical pumps powered by electricity and diesel handle most of the drainage. However, the windmills still have a crucial backup role in emergencies. The ingenuity behind their design lies in the use of wind, a free energy source, to power the pumping system. However, a windmill’s main limitation is its dependency on the wind, which means it cannot always operate.
The Function of the Windmills: A Water Management System
In the past, Holland had over 10,000 windmills used to drain polders, but as technology advanced, large mechanical pumps replaced most of these windmills. The windmills could only lift water about four feet, which meant multiple windmills were often used in a cascade system to drain water effectively. The process involved moving water through three levels: from the polder to the boezem (a kind of holding area), and finally to the reservoir, where it would remain until it could be safely released into the river during low tide.
Modern Uses of Windmills
While windmills have historically been used for draining land, they have also been employed for grinding grain, pressing oil, and even generating electricity. The development of wind turbines in the 20th century is a modern-day continuation of this technology, with large horizontal-axis windmills now used to generate power.
The Uniqueness of Kinderdijk
The Kinderdijk Windmills are a unique testament to human ingenuity. With their complex system of windmills, canals, and reservoirs, they have kept the soil dry for centuries. This historic site, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, is not just a symbol of Dutch water management; it is a living piece of history. The site remains protected and open to the public, offering a glimpse into the past and showcasing the innovative spirit of the Dutch people.
Visiting the Kinderdijk Windmills
When visiting Kinderdijk, three of the windmills have been converted into museums, each with its own story to tell. Visitors can explore the history of these structures, learn about the techniques used to maintain and operate them, and even watch a film at the auxiliary pumping station. Some windmills are still inhabited, offering a glimpse into everyday life for those who call this historic site home.
The area around the windmills is beautiful and serene, making it an excellent spot for photography. Visitors can walk or rent a bike to explore the extensive network of trails. We recommend renting a bike, especially since Kinderdijk is relatively large and walking the entire area would take several hours. If you’re short on time, consider joining a guided bike tour to learn more about the windmills and the surrounding landscape.
Nearby Activities and Attractions
The Kinderdijk Windmills are located close to several other attractions in the Netherlands. Visitors can cycle to Kinderdijk from nearby cities like Gouda, Dordrecht, or Rotterdam, where you’ll find a variety of biking trails. Other notable nearby destinations include National Park De Biesbosch, a freshwater tidal area, and the historic city of Dordrecht, Holland's oldest city. For a quintessential Dutch experience, a visit to the tulip fields in the spring or Keukenhof Gardens is highly recommended.
Where to Stay
The best option for accommodation is in the nearby city of Rotterdam, which is just 12 miles away and offers a range of options. The towns of Kinderdijkand Dordrecht also have accommodations if you prefer a quieter, small-town experience. If you’re visiting Rotterdam, you’ll have the added benefit of a lively city to explore in the evening after a day of sightseeing.
How to Get There
Kinderdijk is easily accessible by car, bike, or public transport. It’s located about 12 miles from Rotterdam and about 90 minutes from Amsterdam by car. If you’re traveling by train or bus, the Kinderdijk Windmills are also accessible via public transportation, with waterbus services operating from both Rotterdam and Dordrecht. Cycling to Kinderdijk is also a popular option, especially since the surrounding area is incredibly scenic.
Best Time to Visit
The Netherlands has a mild climate year-round, but the best time to visit Kinderdijk is during the spring and summer months when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Keep in mind that September is the wettest month, so you may want to plan your visit accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Kinderdijk Windmills is an unforgettable experience. The combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and the genius of Dutch water management make it a must-see destination. Whether you’re wandering the paths, biking through the area, or learning about the rich history of the windmills, Kinderdijk offers a unique window into the past and present of the Netherlands. If you’re ever in the region, don’t miss this iconic and beautiful piece of Dutch heritage.