The village of Kinderdijk, located near Rotterdam, is home to some of the most iconic windmills in the Netherlands.
Built in the mid-1700s, 20 windmills were originally constructed to pump water from the surrounding low-lying polders.
Today, only 19 windmills remain, and they have become a symbol of Dutch water management, attracting countless visitors. Here are six lesser-known facts about Kinderdijk and it's famous windmills.
1. The True Origin of the Name "Kinderdijk" Remains Unknown
The most famous story behind Kinderdijk's name is rooted in a legendary flood from 1421. As the waters receded, survivors found a cradle floating with a cat balancing on its edge and a baby inside. This led to the area being called Child's ditch. However, this popular tale may not be entirely accurate. Another theory involves the inheritance of property by the children of Mr. Van der Giessen upon his passing away. The true origin may remain lost to history.
2. Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1997, UNESCO added the Kinderdijk windmill network to its list of World Heritage Sites, recognizing it as an exceptional example of Dutch water management technology. The windmills represent not only a physical monument but also a symbol of human ingenuity and resilience in managing water, built over nearly a thousand years.
3. Count Floris V Played a Key Role in the Windmills' Existence
In 1277, Count Floris V of medieval Holland grew tired of the conflicts over regularly flooded land. He established the first water board, where the nobility was required to collaborate on maintaining dry land. This cooperation led to the creation of dikes, windmills, and other infrastructure to drain the land and prevent flooding. The windmills at Kinderdijk owe their existence to the Overwaard and Nederwaard Water Boards, which built and maintained them.
4. The Windmills are Part of a Sophisticated Water Management System
While the windmills at Kinderdijk are impressive, they are only one part of a larger water management system that includes sluices, weirs, and basins. The system works in harmony with the river Lek’s tides. As the windmills' sails turned, they would pump water from the polder channels into basins. When the river's tide was low, sluices could be opened, allowing gravity and timing to help release the water. This system of coordination showcases the remarkable engineering behind the mills' operation.
5. The Kinderdijk Windmills Played a Key Role
Although the Kinderdijk windmills were replaced by steam, diesel, and electric pumps over time, they remain in working condition and can be activated if needed, whether for demonstration or in case of power outages. Diesel shortage forced the Dutch to revert to wind power to manage water levels. Today, modern wind turbines provide 4% of the country’s power, and the historic windmills at Kinderdijk still turn on special occasions, such as National and Regional Mills Days (Molendagen).
6. Kinderdijk Attracts 10,000 Tourists for Every Resident
Kinderdijk is one of the Netherlands' most visited tourist destinations. The village itself is home to only 60 residents, yet in 2019, it saw up to 600,000 visitors, creating a remarkable ratio of 10,000 tourists for every resident.
Visiting Kinderdijk: Exploring The Historic Windmills [4K]
Video by ViaTravelers
