Kinderdijk is one of the Netherlands’ most stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites — and the best place to see real, historic Dutch windmills in action. Unlike Zaanse Schans, Kinderdijk is located further from Amsterdam, about 90 minutes away, but well worth the trip for its unique setting and impressive engineering heritage. Set in the heart of the Dutch delta, Kinderdijk tells the story of how the Dutch learned to live with water — and control it. The site features 19 authentic windmills, peaceful walking and cycling paths, and panoramic polder views.
What is Kinderdijk?
Kinderdijk is a historic village where you can see how the Netherlands has battled rising water for centuries. Built around 1740, the windmills of Kinderdijk are not just picture-perfect — they’re functional, and many are still in use today.
The area is part of a large water management system of dikes, pumps, and canals. A visit here is not only scenic, but educational — you’ll learn how Dutch ingenuity helped shape an entire country.
What to see and do at Kinderdijk
There’s much more to Kinderdijk than just admiring windmills. This unique UNESCO World Heritage site offers a wide variety of things to do — from cultural experiences and historical exhibits to relaxing boat rides and scenic walking paths.
Whether you’re looking to learn more about Dutch water management or simply want to enjoy the peaceful countryside, Kinderdijk has something for every visitor.
Highlights include:
- Walking or biking along the canal paths with views of all 19 windmills
- Stepping inside a real working windmill and meeting the miller
- Visiting the pumping station and learning how the Netherlands keeps its feet dry
- Watching the immersive multimedia show in the visitor center
- Taking a boat tour for the best panoramic views of the windmill line-up
All these activities are included in the Kinderdijk entrance ticket.
Map of Kinderdijk
At the entrance of the site, you’ll find a visitor map with walking and cycling routes, key attractions, restrooms, and boat stops. Many routes are accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Do I need a ticket for Kinderdijk?
Yes and no. You can walk or cycle through the Kinderdijk site for free, and enjoy the views of the windmills from the outside. However, to get the full experience — including entrance to windmill museums, a boat tour, and access to the visitor center — you do need a ticket.
The best way to experience Kinderdijk is with the Kinderdijk All-in Ticket, which includes:
- Entrance to museum windmills
- Boat ride along the windmills
- Access to the multimedia experience and visitor center
Check availability and current price below
How to get to Kinderdijk from Amsterdam
While Kinderdijk isn’t as close to Amsterdam as some other countryside spots, it’s easy to reach via public transport or car:
By train + waterbus – Scenic and flexible (±1.5 to 2 hours)
One of the most popular and enjoyable ways to reach Kinderdijk is by combining a train ride with the Waterbus, a ferry service that travels through the rivers and harbors of the Dutch delta.
Step-by-step:
- Take the train from Amsterdam Centraal to Rotterdam Blaak (direct, ±1 hour)
- Walk 10 minutes to the Waterbus stop at Rotterdam Erasmusbrug
- Take the Waterbus line 21 to Kinderdijk (±30–40 minutes)
A one-way train ticket from Amsterdam to Rotterdam costs around €20.00, and can be purchased at any Dutch train station or via the NS.nl.
Waterbus Day tickets can be bought online or at the dock. Prices vary depending on the ticket type — see below
| Waterbus Day Ticket | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (>12-65) | € 15.50 | Book now |
| Child (4-11) | € 5.00 | Book now |
| Senior (>65) | € 11.20 | Book now |
Tip: The Waterbus is not only practical but also a highlight on its own — with beautiful views of the skyline, rivers, and countryside.
By car – Most flexible option (±90 minutes from Amsterdam)
Driving to Kinderdijk from Amsterdam takes around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. This is a great option if you’re traveling with family or want to explore the Dutch countryside at your own pace.
To visit Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage, you’ll need to park your car at the official paid parking area on Marineweg in Alblasserdam.
Navigation address for GPS:
- Marineweg 3, 2952 BX Alblasserdam, Netherlands
Important:
- Parking is only available for visitors with a valid Kinderdijk entry ticket
- Parking fee: € 9.50 per car
- Follow the digital signs to the designated parking area
From the parking lot, it’s easy to reach the entrance. A shuttle bus service runs daily between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., bringing you comfortably to the windmill area. The ride only takes a few minutes and drops you off near the visitor center.
Tip: Parking spaces can fill up during weekends and holidays — arrive early to avoid delays, or book your Kinderdijk ticket in advance.
By tour – Hassle-free and guided
Prefer everything arranged for you? Joining a guided tour to Kinderdijk is the most convenient way to experience this UNESCO site. Many tours include transport from Amsterdam, entry tickets, and a local guide — sometimes combined with other highlights like Rotterdam, Delft, or The Hague.
These tours to Kinderdijk are available:
| Kinderdijk Tours from Amsterdam | from price | |
|---|---|---|
| Kinderdijk, Rotterdam Euromast, Delft & The Hague | € 125.00 | Book now |
Opening hours – Kinderdijk
Kinderdijk is open all year round, but opening hours for attractions on-site vary by season.
Typical opening hours:
- Visitor Center: 09:00 – 17:30
- Museum Windmills: 09:30 – 17:00
- Boat Tours: 10:00 – 16:30 (weather dependent)
Good to know:
- Summer (April–October) is the most popular time to visit.
- Winter opening hours may be limited and some features may be closed.
- The walking paths and views are accessible year-round.
Hotels near Kinderdijk?
Planning to stay overnight or extend your countryside experience? There are several charming hotels and B&Bs near Kinderdijk and in nearby towns like Dordrecht, Alblasserdam, and Rotterdam. From riverside stays to historic inns, you’ll find accommodation for every travel style and budget.
Discover Kinderdijk on video
Curious what Kinderdijk really looks like before you go? Watch this beautiful short video by National Geographic, showcasing the iconic windmills, peaceful canals, and rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s the perfect way to get a first impression of what to expect — and why this is one of the most photographed places in the Netherlands.
Address Kinderdijk
- Kinderdijk
- Nederwaard 1
- 2951 AS Kinderdijk, Netherlands
- Parking at: Marineweg 3, 2952 BX, Alblasserdam
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