Those who crave the quintessential Holland experience should be sure to spend some quality time in the lovely village of Kinderdijk. This tiny village is located a mere 16 kilometers from the excitement of Rotterdam, but it seems a world away from that larger Dutch city.
Holland is of course renowned for its many windmills, and visitors to Kinderdijk can see plenty of examples of this famous symbol. The small village of Kinderdijk is home to some 19 windmills, some of them dating back to the 1500s.
Visitors who have always wanted to see a windmill in operation can get their wish as they visit the village of Kinderdijk. One of the town’s 19 windmills is open for tours during the tourist season. Most of the time those visitors will get to see the windmill in operation, providing tourists with a rare glimpse of this ancient technology.
Those lucky enough to be visiting Kinderdijk during the second week of September should be sure to stay for the nightly lighting of the windmills This magnificent sight attracts visitors from near and far, including many from other parts of the country. The sight of these magnificent windmills lit up in the night sky is certainly a one of a kind experience, and one that will not be soon forgotten.
History buffs will love the town of Kinderdijk as well, as this tiny village enjoys a rich and storied past. In fact the village is so historically important that it has recently been added to the list of world heritage sites maintained by UNESCO.
The main milling complex of Kinderdijk is made up of eight windmills constructed of stone bricks, eight thatched windmills and two windmills made of stone. The final windmill, which dates back to 1521, burned down in 1997 but has since been restored to its original glory.
These windmills are no mere decorations, and in fact the Kinderdijk complex plays an important role in powering the country. The village of Kinderdijk serves as the last station for the waters of the Alblasserwaard before it empties into the Lek river and then into the ocean.
Visitors to Rotterdam will find the village of Kinderdijk easily accessible by public transportation, although renting a car is a great way to enjoy the beautiful Dutch countryside. With so much to see and d o in the village, visitors should be sure to allow themselves plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful windmills for which the country of Holland is so well renowned.
photo courtesy of Gerard Stolk