Netherlands Bridge in Kinderdijk

Kinderdijk, located 15 miles east of Rotterdam, is a UNESCO-listed site that boasts 19 pristinely preserved windmills. The windmills were erected in the 1600s to drain the Alblasserwaard polders, which had suffered floods since the 13th century. One such flood, the Saint Elizabeth Flood of 1421, is both the source of the name Kinderdijk and of the associated fairy tale, "The Cat and the Cradle": after the storm, a wooden cradle was spotted on the flood waters, in which a cat jumped to and fro to keep the cradle afloat.

When the cradle approached the dry land of the dyke, the locals discovered a baby inside -- hence the name Kinderdijk, Dutch for "children's dyke. "

Nowadays the windmills have been relieved by more efficient screw pumps, but you can still visit the monumental 17th-century windmills that comprise the incredible man-made landscape of Kinderdijk. Views of the landscape are free; admission fees apply only to the visitors' windmill and special tours.

To photograph the Kinderdijk windmills and bridge, aim for a golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for the best light. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the scene and include the bridge for added depth. Look for reflections in the calm canals, and consider using a long exposure to show movement in the windmills’ blades. Arrive early or late to avoid crowds and experiment with framing through natural elements like trees. Overcast skies can create dramatic shots, while clear skies offer vibrant colors.

Parking spaces are nearby and marked on the map. You will find other parking spaces around the place when they are full.
PLEASE NOTE: Between April 1 and November 1, it is prohibited for visitors to the World Heritage Site to park in the village. Anyone who does so risks a fine.