2025 Molenwaard Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

The windmills of the Netherlands are world-famous. Apart from the Zaanse Schans, the first thing that comes to mind is the Kinderdijk in Rotterdam. Since I went to Zaandam first and came here the next day, I thought: it is not too commercialized, it is just an ordinary park, it must be boring...🤔, but I was wrong. It is refreshing to come here. It is super pleasant to walk around or ride a bicycle here~ The scenery here is completely different in each season. I came in early March, the off-season for tourism. There were fewer tourists, which improved the quality of tourism. The reeds on both sides of the river fluttered in the wind, and the windmills and houses were reflected on the still river surface. Any photo taken looked like a painting. Alternatively, you can take a sightseeing boat ride on the river to get a closer look at the windmills and visit the two windmill museums. 🕰️Business hours: 09:00-17:30 🗓️Itinerary: Depart from Erasmusbrug Pier in Rotterdam and take water bus No. 20 or 21. #Netherlands #Rotterdam #Kinderdijk

#2024TravelReview The most famous thing about Kinderdijk in the Netherlands is, of course, the row of 19 windmills. When you first see them standing on both sides of the canal, it is hard not to be shocked by the picture. This place really looks like a fairy tale world, with rows of windmills standing on both sides of the canal, so beautiful that people can't help but press the shutter a few more times. When you come here, it is recommended to rent a bicycle and go on a bicycle tour along the river. Along the way is a large area of ​​windmill scenery with a super atmosphere! Take a photo, relax for a while, and instantly forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Of these 19 windmills, only a few are open to the public. In short, you must come here when you come to the Netherlands. This healing feeling can only be experienced in person! 🚇 Transportation: There are currently three ways to get from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk. We took the water bus, which allowed us to experience different scenery. 1/ Waterbus Take the waterbus from the Erasmusbrug in Rotterdam to Kinderdijk. Take Waterbus line 20 to Ridderkerk (approximately 30 minutes). After arriving at the station, take the shuttle ferry and reach Children's Dike in 5 minutes. Time: The whole journey takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour. Ticket price: one way, about €4-6, depending on the route; you can also buy a day ticket for multiple use. 2/ Take the bus Take bus line 90 from Rotterdam Central Station (towards Alblasserdam or Dordrecht) directly to Kinderdijk. Duration: Approximately 1 hour. Ticket price: about €4-5 one way. 3/ By car Drive from downtown Rotterdam along the A16 highway for about 25 kilometers (about 30 minutes). #Kinderdijk #Children's Dike #Dutch Windmill #World Heritage #Holland Travel #European Travel #Rotterdam Surroundings #Must-visit Attractions #Rotterdam #Rotterdam #Nederland #Netherlands

During our trip to Rotterdam, we decided to stay overnight and explore the enchanting Kinderdijk windmills in the evening. These windmills are truly unique, standing tall as a testament to Dutch engineering and water management. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the 19 windmills of Kinderdijk have played a vital role in combating floods and reclaiming land from the water since the 18th century. Our original plan was to take a 40-min boat ride from Rotterdam Central to Kinderdijk, but unfortunately, we missed the boat schedule. However, we quickly adapted and hopped on a bus instead. It took us about an hour to reach the destination. As we arrived at Kinderdijk, the sight of these magnificent windmills against the picturesque landscape was absolutely breathtaking. Each windmill is a fascinating piece of history, showcasing intricate design and reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Netherlands. So, if you're in Rotterdam, make sure to plan a visit to Kinderdijk. Check the boat schedule in advance and plan your trip to witness these extraordinary windmills that have become an iconic symbol of Dutch heritage. It's an experience you won't want to miss! #netherlands #kinderdijk #windmills #unescoworldheritage

🌍 Kinderdijk Day Trip Guide: Unlocking the Healing Scenery of a World Heritage Site 🚢 Transportation Tips The most convenient way to get there is from Rotterdam! We recommend taking the "Water Bus 21" directly to the Kinderdijk pier. In 30 minutes, you can travel through the city and nature, and see Rotterdam's landmark Erasmus Bridge and Noah's Ark along the way. If you are driving, navigate to Kinderdijk and park near the pier. It is more free to explore by bike or on foot. 🌾 First Impression of the Windmill Group I was shocked by the 19 windmills as soon as I got off the bus! They stand like giants beside the river, with reeds and blue sky complementing each other. This is the largest windmill drainage system in the Netherlands, and it has been protecting the lowlands since 1740. It is recommended to rent a bicycle (approx. EUR 10/2 hrs) and shuttle between the windmill trails. Every shot is a cinematic picture! 📸 Photo Guide ✔️ Early morning or dusk: The light is soft, and the windmill silhouette is super dreamy! ✔️ Climb high and look far: Some windmills can be visited inside (the ticket includes 2 windmills + a museum). Climb the 9-story wooden ladder and overlook the entire dike. ✔️ Canal cruise: Available from April to October. Take a boat for 30 minutes to experience the reflection of the waterway and windmills, as if traveling back to the 18th century. 🐱 The Romance of the Name Legend has it that during a flood in the 15th century, a bassinet drifted here with a kitten, saving a sleeping infant, hence the name "Kinderdijk." Although the story is difficult to verify, standing on the dike, you can really feel the wisdom and romance of the Dutch people fighting against water. 🍪 Shopping Tips There is only a small shop in the scenic area, so it is recommended to bring your own snacks and water! It is recommended to buy a Dutch waffle or cheese sandwich in Rotterdam before departure, and it is super pleasant to eat while riding. ☀️ Precautions ▫️ Sun and wind protection! The Netherlands is windy and sunny, so hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential! ▫️ Wear comfortable shoes! Cycling + walking, the cobblestone road is a bit rough. ▫️ Tickets: You only need to buy tickets for boat trips and visits to the Windmill Museum. You don't need to buy tickets for outdoor walks. Anyway, I didn't buy them. The outdoors is enough for great photos. ❤️ Why recommend this place? There are no modern buildings, only the pure Dutch style of windmills, grass, and canals. Slow down, listen to the windmills creaking, and watch the reeds swaying in the wind, instantly healing all anxiety.

🇳🇱 Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring an ancient collection of windmills, is one of the Netherlands' most iconic landmarks. Located about 15 km east of Rotterdam, it sits on the plains where the Lek and Noord rivers meet. Here stand 19 windmills built in 1740, representing Dutch ingenuity in fighting floods and draining lowlands. The most touching legend about the name "Kinderdijk" (Children's Dike) tells of a baby found sleeping peacefully in a floating bassinet after a flood in 1421, with a cat balancing the bassinet - this hopeful story is why the name "Kinderdijk" endures today. 📍 Address: Located at the confluence of the Lek and Noord rivers in Alblasserdam, South Holland Province. Main entrance and visitor center: Nederwaard 1, 2961 AS Kinderdijk 🚘 Transportation from Rotterdam (most convenient): 1⃣ Waterbus Line 202 (operates May-October): Route: Rotterdam Erasmusbrug ➡️ Kinderdijk Molenkade ⏰ Duration: about 30 minutes 💴 Fare: EUR 8.5 one-way, EUR 13 round trip (includes bicycle) 2⃣ Bus Line 90 (operates year-round): Route: Rotterdam Central Station ➡️ Zuidplein ➡️ transfer to Bus 90 to Alblasserdam ⏰ Duration: about 50 minutes total 💴 Fare: EUR 4.5 one-way, OV-chipkaart accepted 🚢 Arrival: First Glimpse from the Rhine to the Windmills As our river cruise boat slowly docked, the sight before me took my breath away - 19 rustic wooden windmills lined up along the waterway like silent giants guarding the lowlands. Morning sunlight scattered across the reeds and water, with occasional ducks fluttering their wings in the distance, while the air carried the fresh scent of grass and soil. 🌬️ Walking Tour: Up Close with the Windmills The essence of Kinderdijk lies in taking it slow. We chose to walk along the riverside cycling path to closely observe these 17th-century engineering marvels. The wooden frames of the windmills have been polished smooth by time, their blades creaking gently in the wind. We occasionally ventured inside a windmill-turned-museum, climbing steep wooden stairs to discover how the Dutch once battled the sea using gears and wind power! 🚴 Rent a Bike, Be Dutch for a Day We rented vintage bikes at the entrance (about EUR 10/hour) and rode along dedicated cycling paths through the windmill complex. Our wheels crossing wooden bridges startled frogs jumping between lily pads. The most delightful discovery was a wildflower field - perfect for capturing stunning photos with windmills as the backdrop! 🛥️ A Different Perspective: Boat Trip Among the Windmills In the afternoon, we took a canal boat tour. As we cruised between rows of windmills, I understood why Dutch painters were obsessed with light and shadow - the setting sun scattered windmill reflections across the rippling water like a moving Golden Age painting. The captain mentioned, "From July to September, all windmills turn simultaneously - now that's a spectacular sight!" 🍃 Hidden Gem: Windmill Stories While touring a windmill, we met a Dutch gentleman in blue overalls. Pointing to "1693" carved on the windmill base, he shared, "My great-grandfather was a miller here, having to monitor wind direction 24 hours a day..." These vivid stories transformed the windmills from mere attractions into timeless living history! 💡 Practical Tips for a Perfect Visit: 1⃣ Free vs. Paid: Village and external views are free; windmill museum entry and boat tours require tickets - check package deals in advance 2⃣ Photo Tips: Best light during early morning or dusk; the small wooden bridge on the west side is a popular photo spot 3⃣ Souvenir Picks: Wooden shoe keychains (EUR 5) and smoked cheese at entrance shop - half the price of Amsterdam

Kinderdijk in Rotterdam is a famous tourist attraction in the south of the Netherlands Famous for its well-preserved windmills and unique water conservancy system There are 19 windmills here, showing how the Dutch used windmills to drain water It was listed as a World Cultural Heritage in 1997🌍✨ The best place to take photos of the Kinderdijk features is next to the windmills These windmills are one of the most complete groups of windmills in the Netherlands These windmills were once used to drain water and are now a symbol of Dutch water engineering. Since Kinderdijk is located at the confluence of the Lake and Nord rivers, Surrounded by beautiful rural scenery, taking photos by the river is definitely the most beautiful natural scenery📷 You can also ride a bicycle here to enjoy the beautiful scenery Take the water bus from Erasmusbrug in Rotterdam It takes about 40-50 minutes to reach Kinderdijk Water buses provide a comfortable ride You can also enjoy the riverside scenery along the way⛴️ Kinderdijk is open all year round However, the opening hours of the Windmill Museum may vary according to the season. It is recommended to check in advance 🕙 #GlobalTravel

Rotterdam, a city reborn after World War II, attracts tourists with its modern architecture and vibrant cultural atmosphere. Walking through this lively city, you will be amazed by its unique urban landscape. Kinderdijk Windmills * First, be sure to visit Kinderdijk to admire the spectacular windmills. These ancient windmills are not only symbols of the Netherlands but also marvels of engineering. They stand quietly by the canals, creating a beautiful picture with the surrounding pastoral scenery. * These windmills are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take a water bus to enjoy the windmills while admiring the scenery along the way. Markthal Rotterdam * Next, head to Markthal Rotterdam, a modern market that combines food, shopping, and architectural art. The colorful giant murals inside the market make you feel like you are in an art palace. * Here, you can taste food from all over the world, buy various specialty goods, and experience the multiculturalism of Rotterdam. Other Attractions * Rotterdam also has many other attractions worth visiting, such as the Cube Houses, Erasmus Bridge, and the Euromast. These attractions showcase Rotterdam's innovative spirit and modern charm. In conclusion, Rotterdam is a city full of surprises. Whether you like history, culture, or modern art, you can find your joy here.

I came to Rotterdam from Amsterdam to visit a friend. I left from BLAAK station. There was a market hall right outside. There were many things to shop for, including clothes, pants, food, local cultural and creative products, etc. I bought a duck burger there. There is also a market outside the market hall every Tuesday and Saturday. I bought some fried fish. The BLAAK station is the Cube House, one of the must-photograph attractions in Rotterdam. There are also the Pencil House and the Water Pipe House next to it, which are super cute🤩The buildings in Rotterdam are very unique, weird and cute, and there is also the most beautiful McDonald's~ It takes about 40-50 minutes to take a boat from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk, not too long. This is really a great place for a walk! If possible, you can also ride a bicycle! The windmill looks good no matter how you take pictures. It is really super comfortable and super chill😌 I completely forgot all my worries here and almost didn't want to go back😆 Finally, I returned to Amsterdam from Rotterdam's main train station. I thought that since I had come here for a while, I should go around to the main station to take a look. I didn't know until I came, and I was shocked! The architectural design of this station is very unique. From a distance, I thought I saw the Sydney Opera House. #Rotterdam #Kinderdijk

Hey there, fellow travelers! We've concocted the perfect 8-day European itinerary for foodies and leisure seekers! This itinerary showcases Belgium's unique Chocolate Museum, where you can indulge in sweet treats and experience the locals' zest for life. And here's the kicker: you'll have a private car and attentive Chinese-speaking service to whisk you across Europe in style. Enjoy small, exclusive group tours – perfect for families – with a dedicated driver and guide throughout your journey, all with no hidden costs or forced shopping. That's the magic of a multi-stop European adventure! And of course, we've got some perks for you. If you love independent travel, what are you waiting for? Read on! 📅🌏Itinerary: DAY 1: ✈️Amsterdam 📝Arrive in Amsterdam, kicking off your European adventure. Get ready for exciting experiences ahead. DAY 2: Zaanse Schans 📝Explore Zaanse Schans, experiencing the Netherlands' unique ancient architecture and picturesque lakes. DAY 3: Westerkerk – Dam Square – Madurodam Miniature Park 📝A day packed with activities! Visit the solemn Westerkerk, then soak in the Dutch atmosphere at Dam Square. Afterward, experience a magical miniature Europe at Madurodam Miniature Park. DAY 4: Kinderdijk Windmills – Elshout Windmill Cluster 📝Admire the scenic beauty of Kinderdijk Windmills, followed by a visit to the Elshout Windmill Cluster for a different perspective on Dutch windmills. DAY 5: Sten Castle 📝Enjoy a private car and Chinese-speaking service with no hidden costs or forced shopping. Explore the historic Sten Castle on an intimate family tour. DAY 6: Grand Place, Brussels 📝Wander through the Grand Place in Brussels, savoring Belgium's rich artistic atmosphere and historical heritage. DAY 7: Rijksmuseum 📝Delve into the Rijksmuseum and experience the legacy of Dutch spirit. DAY 8: ✈️Return 📝Conclude your European journey, returning home with cherished memories and anticipation for your next European adventure. 🎒Trip Preparation: 📱First, tech essentials. A portable charger, phone, laptop, wireless headphones, and a plug adapter are indispensable. Your phone and laptop will help you stay connected and productive, while the adapter ensures you can charge your devices across Europe. Don't forget to purchase a local SIM card for easy communication. 📜Second, travel documents. Your visa, passport, ID card, driver's license, health insurance, booking confirmations, and any notices are crucial. Print copies of all essential travel documents, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and car rental agreements. These records not only safeguard your trip but also help resolve unforeseen issues. 🧥Lastly, clothing and personal items. Considering the March weather, you might need a jacket, raincoat, and a warm hat. Also, pack travel-sized toiletries, medications, and comfortable walking shoes. Since most European cities are best explored on foot or by bike, comfortable shoes are a must. Remember to make a checklist and tick off each item to ensure a smooth trip! 📝 Let this European adventure paint a vibrant stroke across the continent, adding color to your life! 😆

#favouriteitinerary The Wisboomgemaal is a historic pumping station located near the Kinderdijk windmills in the Netherlands. It is an essential part of the Dutch water management system and was designed to complement the traditional windmills in the area. The Wisboomgemaal is now a museum where you can explore its history and see how steam power was used for water management. Address: Molenkade 1, 2961 AS Kinderdijk

#favouriteitinerary The Kinderdijk Visitor Center is a great starting point for your visit to the Kinderdijk windmill complex, located in the Netherlands. The center offers a wealth of information about the history of the windmills, their role in water management, and the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage Site. The center has a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs related to the windmills and Dutch heritage, such as miniature windmills, books, and local crafts.

#Winter travel destination Kinderdijk Windmill Field, about 15 km from Rotterdam, opens from 11:00-16:00. It is an ancient windmill field that is still the most preserved in its original state, located in the middle of a natural grassland. Self-driving options are as follows: # 1 Take the subway line D, E to Zuidplein station, then take bus number 90 to Alblasserdam stop, take the bus for almost an hour. # 2 Take tram number 7 to Willemsplein stop, walk to Rotterdam port, Erasmusbrug and take the Water Bus 202 to Kinderdijk Molenkade port, or take the Water Bus 20 >> get off at Ridderkerk, De Schans, transfer to line 1 to Kinderdijk Molenkade, Rotterdam Erasmusbrug - Ridderkerk de Schans transfer to Driehoeksveer – Kinderdijk. Taking the boat will be faster, about 40 minutes. Boat fare A return trip from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk #Kinderdijk #netherland #netherlandtrip

Don’t miss Kinderdijk when you come to Rotterdam! This is a windmill attraction near Rotterdam, the Netherlands There are 19 windmills here built in the 18th century, which is one of the famous windmills in the Netherlands. The windmill at Kinderdijk was built to drain water and is still in operation today. Demonstrating Dutch water conservancy engineering technology Visitors can stroll or ride a bicycle here🚴♂️ Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the windmill and the surrounding area. Kinderdijk also has a visitor center and museum Introduce the history and working principle of windmills Let tourists have a deeper understanding of the Dutch water conservancy culture Of course, you can take a cruise 🚤 and travel through the waterways Get up close to the windmills and enjoy the tranquil natural beauty Kinderdijk is very easy to get to from Rotterdam You can choose to take a water taxi (Waterbus) The scenery along the way is beautiful as we leisurely walk along the waterway to Kinderdijk! #GlobalTravel

#AugustGoodPlace2024 Kiddijk is very spacious, so if you know how to ride a bike, I recommend riding one. If you don't ride a bike, you will be as tired as me. The wind is strong on the Children's Dike, so it is recommended to bring a windbreaker. There are 19 huge windmills, and each one has a very different appearance and design. I didn’t have much time to take a closer look at them one by one, but I took photos in front of several different windmills. I was so happy ❤️ #100TravelWays #Netherlands #Kinderdijk

#WinHongKongTickets I want to go to Hong Kong for a stroll In addition to going to Zaanse Schweinfurt, we also want to visit Kinderdijk. At the beginning, I always thought of it as "Dyke Kid". It was only after many reminders from experience that I remembered the correct name. I looked up the origin of the name of Kinderdijk on the Internet. Legend has it that during the great flood in 1421, a baby sleeping in a cradle drifted here, and since then people have called this place Kinderdijk. When you come to Kinderdijk on the outskirts of Rotterdam, you will deeply appreciate how the windmills, waterfront and reflections blend into one. The quiet country roads and the reflections of the windmills on the canals enhance the layered beauty, creating the most unforgettable scenery. With the development of technology, most windmills have been demolished. The Kinderdijk has been listed as a World Heritage Site, which is why it has been able to preserve 19 17th-century water-drawing windmills. It is unique and is a cultural heritage of the Netherlands, and also marks a miracle in the history of Dutch water conservancy. It is enough to come here once, because the journey takes too long. First, take the train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam Railway Station, then take the subway to Zuidplein Station, and finally take the bus. Life only comes once, so I must keep it in mind. There are many attractions in Zaanse Schweinfurt, but none of them is as stunningly beautiful as Kinderdijk. The weather was average when I came that day, and it was so beautiful. When the weather is fine, I can imagine the reflection of the windmill reflected on the water, which is more like a landscape painting, like the simple tranquility between heaven and earth. I can stroll along the path and appreciate the beauty of the windmill.

Visiting Kinderijk in winter, although the weather is bad and very windy, it offers a whole new sight. Although the transportation is a bit complicated, I think it's worth going! Share my itinerary. 7:49-9:04 Train to Rotterdam (€17.9) Arrive at Rotterdam station, take Tram No. 7 and get off at Willemskade (€1.43) After getting off the train, you will see the bridge in Figure 4, and the Waterbus station is right in front of you. I took Waterbus No. 21 from 10:00 to 10:40 and went directly to Kinderdijk. Before I boarded the boat, the crew confirmed with me that I was going to Kinderijk (€2.69). It was only 10:40 when we arrived! Ideal time Since the weather was very cold, I went to the cafe next door to drink chocolate (€3.75), but with the receipt, I could use the restroom on the lower floor as much as I wanted👍🏻 I stayed there for about three hours and then rushed to Delft~ *All transportation fees were paid with OV Card #Netherlands #Kinderdijk #kinderdijk #Rotterdam #Rotterdam #WorldCulturalHeritage

Holland has its 'four treasures': windmills, wooden shoes, cheese, tulips. And the Child's Dike windmill, as a world cultural heritage, has always attracted tourists from all over the world to visit and tour. When it comes to Holland, one cannot fail to mention windmills. For hundreds of years, windmills have been the symbol of this low-lying country. The strong Atlantic sea breeze provides Holland with natural wind power. Initially, the Dutch imported windmills from Germany for pumping water. After modifications in the 16th and 17th centuries, they began to be used for grinding grain, papermaking, oil pressing, etc. Therefore, there is such a saying in Europe: God created man, Dutch windmills created land. At its peak, Holland had nearly ten thousand windmills. With the development of technology and the widespread use of mechanical power, old windmills were gradually phased out. Today, there are still nearly a thousand left, scattered across the small territory of Holland. It can be said that Holland has cheese and the fragrance of tulips because of windmills. The name 'Child's Dike' in Holland sounds strange. I specifically looked up its origin. In 1421, there was a flood that affected the whole of Holland. After the flood receded, someone came to the dike of the disaster area and found a wooden cradle drifting along with the water. There was a cat jumping around in the cradle to maintain balance. When the cradle drifted near, people found a baby sleeping soundly in it. From then on, this place was named 'Child's Dike', hoping that the newly built dam could bless all children. Although the Child's Dike is only about ten kilometers from Rotterdam, it took a lot of time to get there in the past. Because in Holland, a low-lying country, most of the territory is reclaimed from the sea. Water buses are almost the only means of transportation. You can take a boat there from April to October every year, and the one-way journey takes more than an hour. The fare is not cheap, a round trip costs 12.5 euros. Wooden shoes, along with windmills, cheese, and tulips, are one of the 'four treasures of Holland'. Therefore, it would be the biggest regret not to visit the Wooden Shoe Museum when you come to Holland, the country of wooden shoes. Wooden shoes, along with windmills and tulips, are one of the 'three treasures of Holland'. Therefore, it would be the biggest regret not to visit the Wooden Shoe Museum when you come to Holland, the country of wooden shoes. The museum combines exhibits, production workshops, and souvenir shops. You can visit, learn, and shop without missing anything! The birth of wooden shoes is related to the geographical location of Holland. As a low-lying country, many large rivers in Europe pass through here to the sea. Influenced by the humid temperate maritime climate all year round, almost half of the land is soaked in water, which prompted the Dutch to invent wooden shoes more than 500 years ago. The Child's Dike - Kinderdijk Windmill Cluster

#wheretogo Your holiday to Netherlands is not complete without a visit to Kinderdjik Windmills. Built in 1738 and 1740, the Kinderdjik Windmills are a group of 19 monumental windmillsin the Alblasserwaard polder, in southern Netherlands. Most of the mills are part of the village of Kinderdjik in the municipality of Molenlanden while one mill, De Blokker is part of the municipality of Alblasserdam. The Kinderdjik Windmills were declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. #awesomepic #kinderdjikwindmills #netherlands #tripmoment #unesco #worldheritagesite #yolobeliever