Visit the Kinderdijk mills: full guide

Visiting the mills of Kinderdijk is taking a ticket to travel in the time and history of the Netherlands. Ready? So, good wind!

The Netherlands is a region that bears its name particularly well. Indeed, it is one of the few countries with much of the land under the sea level. For example, its capital, Amsterdam, is 6 metres below this level. Pretty amazing, right? The small village where to visit Kinderdijk mills, pronounce “kinder-deïk”, is no exception. Its history, rich in events, offers us the opportunity to observe beautiful windmills. Having become true symbols, they took part in the battle that the Netherlands is fighting against its enemy forever: the sea. Nineteen of them make the country famous, many tourists move to see them and appreciate their environment.

The mills of Kinderdijk in a few words

During the first millennium, when fishermen and hunters decide to settle in the Kinderdijk region, they never stay there very long. And because of this, the unpredictable tides that regularly flood the lands make them impractical or dangerous. It is in the Middle Ages, from the 10th century, that dikes and canals are set up to counter the natural phenomenon of rising water. Thus, water is evacuated more easily, but this has the effect of causing soil degradation.

In 1421, a terrible storm will have these dikes yielded and drown thousands of people located below. So, to avoid this happening again, windmills will be installed to drain the canals. This is how we see the first mills of Kinderdijk. Nowadays, they are no longer used, although always exploitable. Indeed, they were replaced in the industrial era by modern pumping stations. In case of a hard blow or a failure, they remain the emergency solution!

Taking the time to visit the Kinderdijk mills during your stay in the Netherlands is therefore an excellent idea. You will be impressed by the beauty of the site and the adjacent village: Kinderdijk. Everything is in what is called a polder: the confluence of two rivers or rivers. In this case, it is two rivers: the Lek north, and the Noord east. The very natural environment of the mills gives them a truly striking atmosphere. If you are lucky enough to attend sunrise or sunset, you will discover the incredible colors of the place. And if by chance you find yourself on the spot a day of mist or fog, do not be afraid, it does not remove anything from the preponderant charm of Kinderdijk mills.

Do not forget the application

The Kinderdijk mill management agency has developed an application available on all marketplaces. This application offers additional audioguides and information on how to visit Kinderdijk mills. However, it is only available in Dutch or English. Notice to the polyglots!

The Netherlands, yes, but in high season!

That said, remember that the mills are in the Netherlands, a country where winters are even more harsh than in France. So, for an optimal and pleasant experience, we recommend you go to the high and beautiful season. Between May and September, time is more clementing and clearer and it is less cool. If it is possible that some mornings the temperatures will remain fresh, they will rise up rapidly in the day, as soon as the sun goes.

1. Free walk

True little more of the Kinderdijk website: its access is free! Indeed, once on site, you do not have to buy a ticket to enjoy the view. On the other hand, the free trail does not allow you to make a complete loop: you have to turn back. However, it does not deprive you of being able to see the mills and their famous prestance. On each side of the canal, go to the discovery (especially visual) of the Kinderdijk mills. Nevertheless, it remains a very pleasant ride for those who enjoy the genre. Quietly, on the edges of the Lek or the Noord, let the magic of the places seduce you! And if you don’t have enough, opt for the paid, complementary part!

2. Museums and walking tour

Unlike the free walk, the paid offer gives access to the museums on the way. With two mills, they offer you to discover the mills from the inside, with an explanatory video on the region of Kinderdijk. Thanks to this video, you will learn all about how mills work and the history that shaped the area and the Netherlands. In addition, you will discover the daily lives of people at the time when the mills operated without automatism. Moreover, in the second mill you will attend the mechanism in action, guaranteed effect.

At what price?

• Adult : 11 €
• Child (4-12) : 5,50 €
• Free for children under 4 years of age.

If certain can find the price of the ticket a little expensive, it is important to know that the funds collected are used to maintain museums, mills and trails in the area. Thus, the experience remains pleasant for all users! Also, prefer the online purchase of dematerialized tickets: these will make you benefit from tariff reductions (between 2 € and 0.50 €).

3. Bike discovery

Visiting Kinderdijk mills by bike is a very interesting alternative. First, because the Netherlands is the country of cycling. Then, because it allows you to use the bike path along the canal. Ideal for amateur and bike enthusiasts, cycling discovery is possible thanks to rental. You will not be obliged to limit yourself to Kinderdijk mills. Indeed, many other routes are available. Find out about the map that all of them are looking for. The advantage of visiting Kinderdijk’s bike mills is to be able to stop where you like to enjoy views of buildings and canals.

At what price?

The rental of a bike is at the entrance of the site and costs 2,50 € per hour .

4. The river cruise

As you have understood, the mills are on the banks of two rivers, each forming a canal. So why not visit Kinderdijk's mills from the water? Indeed, you can choose a boat option for a cruise of about 30 minutes. Thus, let yourself be impregnated by the atmosphere of Kinderdijk from the channels. For more magic, make a river cruise when the sun goes down. The colors are amazing and the mills are illuminated each their turn (artificial lights).

At what price?

• Adult : 6,50 €
• Child (4-12) : 5,50 €
• Free for children under 4 years of age.

5. Kinderdijk and its surroundings

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the largest city closest to Kinderdijk. Indeed, it is only 23 kilometers from the village of the mills. Thus, since visiting the Kinderdijk mills doesn’t take a long day, you can combine this discovery with that of Rotterdam. Then go to the conquest of this jewel of the Netherlands, characterized by its multiple facets and its harbour power.

How to get there?

• To reach Rotterdam from Kinderdijk via the water line n°202, the Waterbus Rotterdam-Kinderdijk-Dordrecht in one direction as in the other. This is the easiest way outside the car, of course.
• If you are vehiculated, follow the A15 and the A16 direction Rotterdam.

Dordrecht

Even closer to Kinderdijk than the east of Rotterdam, Dordrecht is a discreet but very dynamic city. Its history was enlivened by a flamboyant trade that the many floods eventually reduced. Today, it is a pleasant, green community and Gothic architecture. Once you visit the Kinderdijk mills, your eyes filled with magic will delight in the bucolic beauty of Dordrecht.

How to get there?

• You will access it by the same waterbus line as Rotterdam: line 202 Rotterdam-Kinderdijk-Dordrecht.
• By car, simply follow the N3 towards Dordrecht.

Gouda

The city of Gouda is not very far from Kinderdijk, about 20 kilometers away. But from the road point of view, with the detours that the many canals have to take, the city is about forty kilometers away. If you are vehiculated, then don’t hesitate. The city of the famous cheese will seduce you first. If she plays a lot of her cheese production, including a cheese market, she has a multitude of other things to offer.

How to get there?

From Kinderdijk you have two options: one including a ferry crossing and the other without.

• The ferry crossing will take you through the N210 and N207.
• As for the ferry-free ride, take the A15 as if you go to Rotterdam, but go to the A20 and you will arrive in Gouda.