Kinderdijk: The Enchanting Dutch Windmill Village
Kinderdijk is a mesmerizing Dutch village located in the province of South Holland, between the cities of Rotterdam and Dordrecht. The village is home to 19 iconic windmills, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997. It is one of the most visited places in the Netherlands, and a must-see destination for any traveler who wishes to explore the country’s rich history and culture.
Kinderdijk’s History and Culture
Kinderdijk is a traditional Dutch village, located in the Alblasserwaard polder, and was founded in the 13th century. Over the centuries, the local population was able to develop a sophisticated and unique system of windmills and canals, which allowed them to keep the water away from the land and prevent flooding. The windmills of Kinderdijk are the oldest still-standing examples of this system, and are an important part of the village’s history and culture.
Exploring the Windmills of Kinderdijk
The 19 windmills of Kinderdijk are the main attraction of the village, and it is a great experience to walk around them and admire their architecture and beauty. The windmills are open to visitors, and it is possible to go inside some of them and learn about their function and the local history.
Kinderdijk is also a great place to take a boat tour and explore the canals and the surrounding landscape. There are several companies offering guided boat tours, and it is a great way to see the windmills from a different perspective and learn about their history.
Things to Do in Kinderdijk
Kinderdijk is more than just windmills, and there are plenty of things to do in the area. One of the most popular activities is a visit to the open-air museum, Nederwaard. The museum is located in the nearby village of Opijnen, and it is a great way to learn about the traditional way of life in the Netherlands.
Kinderdijk is also home to several restaurants, cafes and bars, where visitors can enjoy local food and drinks. The village is also a great place to shop, and visitors can find traditional Dutch products, such as wooden clogs and Gouda cheese.
Kinderdijk is a great destination for a day trip, and it is easy to reach from the nearby cities of Rotterdam and Dordrecht. The village is also a popular destination for cyclists, as it is located on the Alblasserwaard cycle route.
Conclusion
Kinderdijk is a charming Dutch village, located in the province of South Holland, and it is home to 19 iconic windmills. The village is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, and it is a great place to explore the traditional way of life in the Netherlands. Visitors can admire the windmills, take a boat tour, visit the open-air museum, enjoy local food and drinks, and take a cycling trip around the area. Kinderdijk is a must-visit destination for any traveler who wishes to explore the culture and history of the Netherlands.