How to Take the Perfect Day Trip to the Kinderdijk Windmills, Netherlands

Planning to take a day trip to the Kinderdijk windmills? This tiny village in the Netherlands, with its iconic centuries-old windmills, couldn’t be more idyllic. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But truthfully, I hadn’t even heard of the Kinderdijk Windmills until I decided to sail through Europe with Viking River Cruises on their Grand European Tour from Budapest to Amsterdam. Kinderdijk just so happened to be our second-to-last stop.  

With little prior knowledge, I had zero expectations for my day trip to Kinderdijk. I just knew I’d see some windmills – a hallmark of Dutch history and culture!

And, as it turned out, I did see lots of windmills – 19, to be exact. But between the fresh air, bike rides, and interesting history, I really enjoyed my visit. I think you will too! 

This guide includes everything you need to know for a successful day trip to Kinderdijk – including background info, how to get to Kinderdijk (from Amsterdam or Rotterdam), what to do and see in Kinderdijk, and more!

Is Visiting Kinderdijk Worth It?

A day trip to the Kinderdijk Windmills is definitely worth it! I was blown away by this area’s tranquility, rich history, and boundless beauty. It’s so green – well, it was in the summer, anyway!

Most visitors to the Netherlands don’t even make it out of Amsterdam! A day trip to Kinderdijk is an opportunity to stray off the beaten path – and to experience more than 740 years of Dutch history.

Why Kinderdijk is such an important part of Dutch history?

Well, much of the Netherlands lies below sea level. And, for centuries, flooding was a serious issue… Until the Middle Ages, when the Dutch people invented the ingenious system of windmills, drains, pumping stations, and waterways you can still see in Kinderdijk today.

Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it demonstrates the Dutch people’s valiant fight against flooding, to ensure they could settle on and cultivate these low-lying lands. But also, because people throughout the world replicated and adapted these systems – and still use them today!

Fun facts: Most of the windmills are actually homes! Yes, locals live inside them! Also, Kinderdijk translates to “children’s dike.” When you visit the windmills at Kinderdijk, you’ll learn the story behind the name.

How to Take a Day Trip to Kinderdijk, Netherlands

Since the Netherlands is a tiny country, you can take a day trip to Kinderdijk from pretty much anywhere in no time at all!

I have to say – the easiest way to reach Kinderdijk is via the Grand European Tour with Viking River Cruises, like I did! You simply wake up, eat a fantastic breakfast on board, and then disembark your ship to start the adventure…

But the next easiest way to visit Kinderdijk is to join this fantastic small group day tour from Amsterdam which also visits The Hague and the Mauritshuis (a stunning royal picture gallery). A guided tour from Rotterdam is also an option.

If you want to take public transportation, then the easiest way is to take a train to Rotterdam, and then hop on the waterbus ferry to Kinderdijk!

And lastly, you can rent a car and drive yourself to Kinderdijk. From Amsterdam, the drive is roughly 1 hour, and from Rotterdam, it’s a mere half-hour.

What to Do in Kinderdijk

Kinderdijk is a tiny village, so the list of things to do there is pretty short. Let’s get to it!

• Guided tour: Let your expert guide lead the way (on a day trip from Amsterdam or Rotterdam) as you learn about the windmills of Kinderdijk, how the hydraulic system works, and the rich history of the area. Or, explore on your own and listen to the audio guides on the Kinderdijk app!
• Boat tour: Jump aboard the hop-on-hop-off boat and take a slow, peaceful cruise down the waterways.
• Go for a peaceful walk: A calm stroll along the channel is a perfect way to spend the day – especially when coupled with a little picnic of frothy beers, bread, and fantastic Dutch cheeses like Gouda, Edam, and Maasdam. There are a few picnic areas scattered around this beautiful area, so plan ahead!
• Rent a bike: This is my favorite option – you can rent bicycles and go on an adventure through these gorgeous lowlands. Head to Café De Klok for a rental. You can also book this Kinderdijk Bike Tour, which leaves from Rotterdam.
• Blokweer Museum Mill: Built in 1630, this windmill is at least a century older than the other 18 windmills in Kinderdijk! Head inside to step back in time.
• Nederwaard Museum Mill: Constructed in 1738, Nederwaard is one of the two windmills you can go inside. And yes, it’s still in tip-top working order! Previously home to the Hoek family, you can begin to understand what it would’ve been like to live in a windmill! You’ll even find the Hoeks’ old black-and-white photos and furniture inside.
• Wisboom Pumping Station: Explore the inner workings of the modern Wisboom Pumping Station, built in 1868.
• Watch the multiscreen film: To learn more about Kinderdijk’s history, watch the multiscreen film playing at the secondary pumping station, De Fabriek.

Tickets to Kinderdijk

To get the full experience, you’ll need to purchase a ticket, which includes entry to the two windmill museums, the multiscreen film, the boat ride, and audio guides and maps via the Kinderdijk app.

Tickets cost €19.50 for adults and €8.00 for children ages 4-12.

If you book this guided day trip from Amsterdam or this guided day trip from Rotterdam, your admission ticket to the UNESCO World Heritage Site is included!

However, if you plan to take public transportation or drive yourself in your rental car, you should purchase your tickets online via the official website.

Bicycling in Kinderdijk

During my day trip in Kinderdijk, I decided to do as the Dutch do: bike! 

Upon arrival, we rented bikes at Café De Klok for about $10 USD for the day. I highly recommend you do the same!

For miles and miles, we were the only people around – biking, exploring, and soaking up the picture-perfect scenes of cloudy skies, green low-lying land, cows and horses grazing, and 

This kind of peace and quiet, combined with a bit of adventure, is hard to come by. And honestly, it was perfect.

Where to Eat in Kinderdijk

After all that exploring, you might work up quite an appetite! However, due to the village’s size, there are very few restaurant and cafe offerings in Kinderdijk…

The visitor center has a cafe though! 

After returning our rental bikes, we decided to stop in at De Klok for some typical Dutch snacks and a couple of beers. 

However, if I went on another day trip to Kinderdijk, I’d pack a picnic with some fresh bread, cheese, wine, etc. If I were you, that’s what I’d do!

Read more: 10 Dutch Foods to Try in Amsterdam

What to Pack for the Kinderdijk Windmills

Keep in mind that the season of your visit will help determine what you need to pack. 

Summers are pretty mild here, so you can dress as you would in this part of Europe. But as expected, winters are very cold. No matter the season, bring a rain jacket and wear comfy, closed-toe shoes!

And as with any international trip, you should always purchase travel insurance in case anything goes wrong. I’ve had my fair share of travel mishaps! 

Taking a Day Trip to Kinderdijk, Netherlands

During your trip to the Netherlands, it’s likely that you’ll stay in Amsterdam, getting caught up in the hustle and bustle, exploring the beautiful canals, eating cheese, drinking beer, and taking photos of the impossibly adorable architecture.

But when you start to crave a little bit of nature and tranquility, Kinderdijk is your place. For such an important historical village full of beautiful scenery and wildlife, Kinderdijk doesn’t get enough attention.

So dare to be different and stray down the path less followed, into the Dutch countryside!

I am positive that you’ll fall in love with Kinderdijk’s traditional culture, quaint windmills, and peaceful waterways, just as I did!

We visited Kinderdijk as guests of Viking River Cruises on the Grand European Tour. All opinions are our own. This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure for more information.