Kinderdijk: Day Trips and Tours from Rotterdam

The Netherlands invites a certain image – one of crisscrossing canals, bright and beautiful tulip fields, and historic windmills that look like they've been taken straight out of the 18th century. Nowhere is this image more accurate than at Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site hidden down in South Holland's peaceful Alblasserwaard polder.

Home to 19 authentic windmills that were built in 1740, Kinderdijk is the epitome of Dutch culture and scenery. With its unique landscape and beautiful old-fashioned charm, it's no wonder that Kinderdijk day trips from Rotterdam are one of the most popular short-term getaways for open-air seeking travelers.

So if you're looking for an exciting change of scenery from built-up Rotterdam, then Kinderdijk sells itself as the perfect getaway.

Here's all you need to know about Kinderdijk, one of the most exciting day trips from Rotterdam.

How to get to Kinderdijk From Rotterdam?

Kinderdijk sits is the South Holland province's Alblasserwaard polder, at the meeting point of the Lek and Noord rivers. This quaint village is just about 15 kilometers southeast of Rotterdam and is accessible by car and public transport.

From Rotterdam to Kinderdijk by car

The easiest and most convenient way to get to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam is by car. This route takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The quickest way to get there is via the A15 freeway — after crossing the Noord river, you'll do a hairpin turn, following the riverbank until you reach Kinderdijk.

From Rotterdam to Kinderdijk by public transport

To reach Kinderdijk by public transport, you need to get to Kralingse Zoom station on the eastern side of the city, which is accessible by the A, B or C tram. Once there, take the 489 bus. The bus takes around 35 minutes with 16 stops along the way. Depending on your departure point in Rotterdam, the entire journey should take roughly 1 hour.

From Rotterdam to Kinderdijk by guided tour

The most popular option for a day trip to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam is to take a guided tour. These tours usually include transport, as well as an expert guide who will take you around the windmills of Kinderdijk, sharing stories and details about this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How much does the entrance ticket to Kinderdijk cost?

The area itself is free of charge. However, entrance to the museum windmills and the pumping stations does come with a small fee.

During the week, the prices are €16 for adults and €6 for kids (aged 4-12). Weekends are slightly more expensive, at €19 and €8 respectively. Kids under 4 can visit for free.

These tickets include two museum windmills, a free audio tour, a pumping station demonstration, and a sail along the water.

What is the typical itinerary?

Every guided tour is different and can sometimes be tailored to your preferences, but most will start with convenient hotel pickup and a coach transfer from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk. Some tours may swap the bus for a boat trip from Rotterdam, which usually takes about 30 minutes.

You'll typically have a couple of hours to explore, either on your own or alongside your friendly guide, who will answer questions and provide interesting insight into the UNESCO-listed site. During this time, you can visit the inside of the windmills, watch the pumping station demonstration, and take a boat tour along the waterways.

Depending on the tour you choose, the next stage of your adventure usually revolves around another activity, such as a bike tour around Kinderdijk, a photography lesson, or a gouda cheese-tasting experience.

Since Kinderdijk is close to Rotterdam, it's often combined with another destination. This could be a guided tour of Rotterdam itself or the charming city of Dordrecht, which is best known for its art, architecture and museums.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Kinderdijk?

There are several day tours available to visit Kinderdijk from Rotterdam, from basic transport-only tours, to luxury guided trips with added extras, such as city tours or cycling adventures.

Kinderdijk standalone entry ticket

Ideal for those looking for an independent, budget-friendly experience, this ticket only includes the entrance fee to the Kinderdijk museums. You will need to make your own way there and back, which allows you to discover the area in your own time.

Cycling tour of Kinderdijk from Rotterdam

A more adventurous option, this tour combines a guided tour of Kinderdijk with a cycling journey along the windmills. Lasting around 3-4 hours, this is an ideal choice for those who are feeling energetic and want to explore the area in more detail. Depending on the tour, you may also stop at a local cheese farm as well.

Private Day trip to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam, plus Rotterdam City Tour

Great for travelers short on time, this 7-to-8-hour tour combines a visit to Kinderdijk with a guided city tour of Rotterdam, including all the must-see landmarks and neighborhoods.

Besides the 18th-century windmills in Kinderdijk, you'll generally also get to see the iconic Erasmus Bridge, the Delftse Poort, City Hall, Witte de Withstraat and more.

Day tour to Kinderdijk plus photography session from Rotterdam

Designed for photography lovers, this tour is led by a professional photographer to give you tips and assistance as you explore Kinderdijk's windmills. You’ll also get access to a private boat trip around the area (or, if you prefer, a bike ride) so that you can take pictures from all angles.

How much does a day trip to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam cost?

The cost of a day trip to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam depends on the type of tour you choose, but starts from as little as €16 for entrance-only tickets.

A more comprehensive Rotterdam day tour to Kinderdijk, such as the bike tour or photography tour, costs around €170 per person.

For a longer, private combo tour experience, such as those that include a Rotterdam City Tour, you can expect to pay around €220 to €240 per person. Some combo tours are priced at around €500 to  €550, per group of 4 or 5 travelers.

What will you see and do?

On a day trip to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam, you'll get to explore the world-famous collection of 19 windmills that date back to the 1700s. Surrounding the windmills are gorgeous meadows, dikes, and waterways — collectively, they all make up the UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site.

With an entry ticket in hand, you'll get to visit the Kinderdijk museum, where you can watch a film that shares the history and architecture of the area, in addition to learning about hydraulic engineering and the Dutch water management system.

Some longer tours will combine entry to the windmills with a private boat ride or bike tour around Kinderdijk as well. If you opt for a combination tour experience, you'll also typically get to explore the city of Rotterdam. This type of tour generally includes stops at the Erasmus Bridge, Markthal, Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk (Saint Lauren's Church) and the Cube Houses, to name a few.

What are the opening times?

The windmills of Kinderdijk and the associated museums are generally open 7 days a week, from 9 AM to 5:30 PM.

When is the best time to visit Kinderdijk?

The best time to visit Kinderdijk is between April and October, when the weather is milder, and the landscapes are vibrant with blooming flowers and greenery. September is especially popular as the windmills are illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere. However, if you prefer fewer tourists and don't mind the cold, winter offers a serene, frosty beauty.

Are there any tours to Kinderdijk from other cities in Holland?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Holland:

• Day trips to the Kinderdijk from Amsterdam

Travel tips

• Start your day trip to Kinderdijk early to avoid the bulk of the tourist crowds and to ensure ample time for exploration.
• The Dutch climate can be unpredictable. Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella just in case. Also, wear comfortable shoes, since you'll be doing a lot of walking or cycling.
• The golden hours (shortly after sunrise and just before sunset) offer the best light for photographs. If visiting in September, try to stay into the evening for the illuminated windmills.
• Remember that while Kinderdijk is a tourist attraction, it's also a functioning water management system and a wildlife habitat. Stick to marked paths and be respectful.