Kinderdijk

Kinderdijk is a fascinating complex of 19 windmills, canals, and polders situated about 25 kilometers southeast of Rotterdam.

Since the 13th century, this area has faced water-related challenges. To drain the excess water from the polders (land reclaimed from the water), canals were dug.

However, this solution was only temporary, so a new system was developed. A series of windmills were built in 1740 to pump out the excess water and direct it into the river Lek.

The 19 windmills of Kinderdijk have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.

Visiting the windmill complex is free, but if you want to enter two windmills, museums, or take a boat ride along the canals, there is an entrance fee.

How to get to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam

Getting to Kinderdijk is convenient by car via the A15 highway or by public transportation. From Rotterdam Central Station, you can take the metro to Leuvehaven, go to the riverside, and find the water bus terminal near the Spido stop. The water bus ride takes approximately 35 minutes.

Tip: You can bring your bicycle on the water bus at no extra cost.

You can check the water bus schedules at this link.

On this link you can visit the website of the local tourist information.

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