Kinderdijk Tickets

What to expect on your Kinderdijk visit

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19 restored windmills on display

Marvel at a row of 19 fully restored 18th-century windmills that define this UNESCO heritage site. Their classic silhouettes and historic charm showcase centuries of Dutch water management innovation.

Tour the working museum windmills

Step inside two authentic museum windmills where original furnishings and machinery reveal a miller’s lifestyle from the past. The intimate tours offer real insights into the daily operations of these working relics.

Enjoy a canal boat tour

Board a hop-on boat for a tour along reflective canals. As you glide past each windmill, witness the engineering feats that helped tame the Dutch polders.

Discover Dutch water management history

Interactive exhibits and a short film at De Fabriek reveal the 1,000-year battle against floodwaters. This informative experience deepens your understanding of the Netherlands’ unique relationship with water.

Experience seasonal windmill illumination

During autumn, the windmills come alive with colorful light projections in a special evening event during Illumination Week. The atmospheric glow transforms the historic site into a striking backdrop for photography and quiet reflection.

Things to know before booking Kinderdijk tickets

Day trip to Kinderdijk windmills from Rotterdam: Kinderdijk is located just outside of Rotterdam, 15km away, making it a very convenient day trip.
What’s included: A standard entry ticket allows a flexible, self-guided visit to the Kinderdijk village. Enjoy access to the main windmill area, two museum windmills, a pumping station, a canal boat tour, and an audio-guided app for navigation.
Ticket redemption: Your ticket is a mobile voucher that you can display on your phone at the entrance. You do not need to print out your tickets.
Cancellation policy: Your tickets can be cancelled or rescheduled 24 hours before your visit.

Plan your visit to Kinderdijk

Tourist boat docked for canal tour in Kinderdijk, Netherlands.

March 1 to November 2: 9am–5:30pm
November 2 to December 31: 10:30am–4pm

Closed: Christmas (December 25)

Recommended duration: Most visitors plan to spend around 3–4 hours on-site to fully enjoy the windmills, canal boat tour, and additional exhibitions.

Windmills along a canal in Kinderdijk, Netherlands.

Time of day: Early morning (before 11am) is ideal for those seeking tranquility and the best photo opportunities. The site is much quieter before the main crowds arrive. Mid-day (11am–3pm) is the busiest time. You can expect longer queues, especially for the boat tours and museum windmills. Late afternoon (3pm onwards), crowds begin to thin out, and the "golden hour" offers photography conditions as the sun starts to set.
Weekdays: Weekdays are ideal to beat the larger weekend crowds, ensuring a more relaxed experience and great photo opportunities.
Season: Between April–October, all attractions are open, and the weather is generally warmer. However, this is when visitor numbers are at their highest. The site is much quieter from November to March. The trade-off is that operating hours are shorter, and some services, like the boat tours, may run less frequently.
Special events: If you’re drawn to the seasonal charm, consider November for the special illumination events (evening guided light shows) when the windmills glow with vibrant projections. During National Mill Day (second weekend of May), you'll notice that some windmills have signs indicating that the millers' families are home and have opened their doors. This is not a guaranteed event, but it offers a unique, personal experience of seeing a working mill from the inside and speaking with its residents.

Address: Nederwaard 1, 2961 AS Kinderdijk, The Netherlands | Find on Maps

By Waterbus: Waterbus line 21 from Rotterdam’s Erasmus Bridge dock (30–35 min ride)
Nearest pier: Molenkade
By bus: Bus routes 493/494 (from Rotterdam-Kralingen or Alblasserdam)
Nearest stops: IHC Smit or De Klok
By car: 5 km from Rotterdam (20–30 mins via the A16)
Nearest parking: Marineweg 3 (€9.50 per car)

No drone sign in a natural park setting.

Photography: Photography is encouraged in most areas; however, avoid using flash inside the museum windmills to protect the historic interiors. Drones are strictly prohibited to protect the residents’ privacy and prevent the disturbance of the wildlife.
Bag policy: Large bags, suitcases, and oversized items may need to be stored in designated cloakrooms or lockers.
Restricted items: Prohibited items include sharp objects, hazardous materials, and any equipment that might damage or disrupt the exhibits.
Payments: All the visitor locations are cashless. Kinderdijk only accepts card payments.
Pets: Your leashed dog is welcome at all outdoor locations and on the tour boats. However, dogs are not permitted inside the catering facilities at the Visitor Center or the Blokweer Museum Mill.
Behaviour: Please adhere to on-site signage and staff instructions, as certain areas (like the boat boarding and internal windmill sections) have specific safety protocols. Maintain a respectful silence in the indoor museum exhibits and follow any dress or behavior advisories to honor the site’s heritage.

Cloakroom hooks with numbered tags at Borghese Gallery.

Visitor Center: Offers a café, gift shop with local souvenirs, free restrooms, and a rooftop viewing deck with panoramic scenes of the windmills.
Lockers/Cloakroom: Three different sizes of lockers are available at Kinderdijk to store luggage. Prices range from 6 to 10 euros.
Toilets: Access restrooms in the Gift Shop on the basement.
Gift shop: Visit the ground-floor Gift Shop, which offers a range of unique and sustainable products that capture the essence of Holland and the Kinderdijk spirit.
Audioguides: To get even more adventure and depth out of your visit, download the free online guide on the Bloomberg Connects app or view the guide directly online. The guide offers a choice of both short and long audio tours, so you can tailor your experience to fit your day.

Guide dog assisting person across street, relevant to Kennedy Space Center pet regulations.

Wheelchair access: The multi-screen film theatre, the footpaths, the tour boat, and the mill yards are wheelchair-accessible. Unfortunately, due to their narrow entrances and steep stairwells, the other windmill interiors are inaccessible.
Wheelchair loan: Kinderdijk has two wheelchairs available to borrow free of charge. Since they cannot be reserved in advance, please inquire at the reception desk in the Visitor Center upon your arrival.
Discounted tickets: Guests with disabilities are eligible for a discounted ticket. Additionally, one companion can enter for free.
Guide dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas when accompanying a visitor with a relevant ID.
Toilets: The Wisboom pumping station and the Visitor center have accessible toilet facilities.

Chocolate ice cream roll on a white plate, showcasing a dessert experience.

On-site café: Enjoy a range of snacks, light meals, and beverages with a view of the windmills and canals at the Kinderdijk-café.
Blokweer Museum Mill: Want a tasty break during your visit? Enjoy a delicious ice cream or cup of coffee right by the water, between the windmills!
De Klok: Just a short walk from the windmills, you'll find De Klok. Housed in a historic building that dates back to 1875, this premier location offers coffee, a wide selection of local brews, a relaxing lunch, or a full dinner.

Old Wisboom pumping station with Kinderdijk windmills in the background, Netherlands.

Check the windmill sails: The windmills' sails are only turned on when the wind is just right. You can't book a visit on a specific "sails-turning day," but you can follow Kinderdijk's social media accounts, where they often post when the mills are expected to be active.
Go beyond the windmills: The site offers more than just the iconic view. Be sure to check out the Bird Theater and the Floating Exhibition in a historic barge. These exhibits provide unique insights into the area's nature and history that many visitors miss.
Choose your boat tour wisely: Your ticket includes a boat tour, but there are two routes. The Hopper boat travels a long loop, while the Cruiser boat offers a shorter journey. The Hopper is perfect for a full, scenic experience, while the Cruiser is a better option if you're short on time.
Check the event calendar for off-peak surprises: Kinderdijk hosts events beyond the famous Illumination Week. They have a detailed event calendar that includes things like guided birdwatching tours, photo workshops, and special family activities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kinderdijk tickets

What makes Kinderdijk an iconic UNESCO heritage site?

Kinderdijk features 19 fully restored 18th-century windmills lining the canals and dikes. This living museum of Dutch water management not only dazzles visitors with its scenery but also tells the story of centuries-old engineering that preserved low-lying lands from flooding.

How can I avoid the crowds and capture the best photos at Kinderdijk?

For iconic, non-crowded photo opportunities, consider arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the light is soft and beautiful. Walking along the main canal walkway often gives you that perfect alignment of windmills to frame your shots.

Is Kinderdijk suitable for family visits?

Absolutely! Kinderdijk is designed with families in mind. Kids enjoy climbing inside the museum windmills, exploring interactive exhibits at the pumping station, and taking a scenic boat ride. The site’s open, relaxed atmosphere makes it both fun and educational for visitors of all ages.

How long should I plan to spend at Kinderdijk for a full experience?

Most visitors spend about 3 to 4 hours at Kinderdijk, though many choose to allocate a full day if they plan to explore by bike or take their time with the boat tour and museum stops. It’s wise to allow enough time to soak in all the unique details of this heritage site.

Is it possible to rent a bike at or near Kinderdijk?

Yes, many visitors combine their windmill tour with cycling. Bike rentals are available nearby, and the flat countryside around Kinderdijk offers enchanting bike routes so you can enjoy the scenic beauty at your own pace.

What types of audio guides or additional information are available on-site?

When you purchase the standard entry ticket, an audio guide option is included. These guides are available in multiple languages and let you navigate through the windmill complex while learning detailed historical insights and practical tips for a better visit.

Can I combine a visit to Kinderdijk with other nearby attractions?

Definitely! Many travelers pair Kinderdijk with a day trip to Rotterdam, Gouda, Delft, or even Zaanse Schans Windmill Village. The proximity of these attractions makes for a full itinerary mixing modern culture with rich historical heritage.