No image is more iconically Dutch than the windmill. (Well, except maybe the tulip.) For centuries its sails have harnessed the power of wind to help manufacture items as varied as paper, mustard, and chalk. Saw mills were particularly important in early shipbuilding when a large naval fleet was a key to economic success. Later, as natural drainage systems in the Netherlands began to fail, pumping mills controlled water levels and reclaimed land for the low-lying country. The advent of the steam engine eventually rendered traditional mills obsolete, though thankfully 1,000 or so still stand. One of the best places to see historical windmills in action is Kinderdijk. The network of 19 mills has been so perfectly preserved that it’s been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. When a friend casually mentioned that she wanted to race past the windmills like Hans Brinker, I didn’t need much convincing.
We rented bikes from a shop near the entrance and pedaled merrily along the dykes and canals. The wind was brisk, as was to be expected, but not unpleasant. The further along the path we rode, the thinner the crowds became. Local men sat fishing while sneaky ducks and birds tried to steal their catch. A lone woman on horseback sauntered past, presumably from one of the neighboring villages which I wish I’d had time to explore. The complete cycle route around Kinderdijk is 60 kilometers long, though at my snail’s pace that would take me two days at least.
Two Kinderdijk windmills have been converted into museums. The 1950s-style interiors have been left intact, giving visitors a glimpse of what life was like for the families that lived in and operated the mills. One family had 12 children! It’s incredible to think about all those kids sleeping next to churning gears and playing in the yard while the sails swung round and round.
It’s possible plan a Kinderdijk day trip from Amsterdam via public transportation. I took the train from Amsterdam to Utrecht, then rode bus 90 to Kinderdijk. The most challenging part of the journey was buying the bus ticket in Utrecht, as the queue was long and time was short. In hindsight, it might have been faster to transit through nearby Rotterdam, but I enjoyed the two hour ride through the bucolic Dutch countryside.
Food options at the park are limited, so bring your own provisions. I bought a sandwich at the Utrecht train station and ate it on the bus.
Is a Kinderdijk day trip on your travel wish list?
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So worth visiting! An authentic site in the middle of the countryside ~ a wonderful destination!
I loved my trip to Amsterdam some years ago. Did not see these windmills but did get to go in one somewhere else. Your pictures are beautiful as usual. Great blog.
Actually we are far better off as a Rotterdam Day Trip. Also you can buy combi tickets for the Arriva bus 90 travelling from Utrecht to Rotterdam viceversa, stopping at Unesco World Heritage Kinderdijk. More information on http://www.kinderdijk.com. Better than the site you mentioned actually:-)
Thank you for the tips! Next time I’ll base myself in Rotterdam so I have more time to bicycle around your lovely park 🙂