Windmills of Kinderdijk
Since the 15th century, mills were used to control the water level in the Dutch polders. The windmills of Kinderdijk are therefore symbolic of the age-long struggle against the water. The windmills of Kinderdijk are unique in the world and are rightly included in the Unesco World Heritage List.
The 19 polder windmills at Kinderdijk were built in the 18th century to pump the excess water from the polders in Alblasserwaard – which are below sea level – to the adjacent river Lek. The mills are still in operation. The rows of windmills are formed by 8 brick and 8 thatched windmills. There are also the octagonal thatched High Mill and Low Mill, as well as smockmill 'De Blokker'.
The best way to admire the windmills is on foot or by bicycle. Another way to view the mills is by making a round boat trip and sail past them. Mill number 2 is also open to the public and can be viewed on Saturday and Sunday in winter and daily from April to October. Kinderdijk is a 30-minute drive from Rotterdam.
Address: Nederwaard 5
Postal code: 2961AS
City:
