Kinderdijk, The Netherlands - The Windmills

Kinderdijk received UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1997.  

Here stand the remaining nineteen of twenty eight working windmills. 

There were originally more than 150 in this area of South Holland.  

Kinderdijk is the only place in the world with so many antique windmills 

so close together. They are used to pump water from the polders using internal 

or external scoops into reservoirs on two levels. These thatched bonnet 

windmills were built in 1738 and 1740 and are called 'ground sailors' as their 

large sails come within one foot of the ground. They represent the courageous 

fight of the Dutch people against the ever encroaching sea.  Few countries 

have so much land below sea level, about half the country is reclaimed land.

The entire country is roughly half the size of the state of Indiana. . . . .I had 

no idea!

The lovely village was an oasis of peace and quiet, filled with gentle wildlife

including some beautiful ducks and geese, the pathways well maintained for 

walking and biking. 

Group of young gymnasts visiting from the Czech Republic.

No need to tell you just how much I loved the wildflowers!

After a lovely afternoon walk to view the polders and windmills, we were able to 

enter one and climb to the top. Life in a windmill often included families 

with several children. Stairs were very steep, space very restricted for sleeping, 

cooking etc., and the miller was never allowed to leave the mill unattended.

The visit to Kinderdijk was memorable and, as you can see, the weather 

cooperated with sunshine and blue skies. All in all, a lovely way to be welcomed 

to the Kingdom of The Netherlands.