Kinderdijk is one of the Netherlands’ most iconic sights, famous for its 19 historic windmills standing in perfect harmony against the Dutch horizon. While simply wandering around the village is worthwhile, guided and themed tours take your experience to a new level. Whether you’re interested in exploring UNESCO-listed windmills, enjoying a private custom trip, or soaring above the landscape in a helicopter, Kinderdijk offers options to suit different interests and budgets. Our favorite is the Rotterdam UNESCO Entry Ticket, which combines the charm of the windmills with a boat cruise and museum visits—giving you a full picture of Dutch water management and culture. If you prefer a personalized experience, the Private Full-Day Tour from Amsterdam offers tailored sightseeing with a private guide, perfect for those who want to go beyond the usual. For an even deeper dive into Dutch icons, the Kinderdijk, Delft & Mauritshuis Private Tour combines windmills, traditional pottery, and world-class art in one day.
Below, you’ll find a selection of the best tours in Kinderdijk—each with its own flavor, from easy entry tickets to all-day explorations and breathtaking helicopter rides.
1. Rotterdam: Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage Entry Ticket
At number 1, the Rotterdam: Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage Entry Ticket offers an easy, affordable way to see the windmills and learn about Dutch water management. For just $22 per person, you get access to the UNESCO site for a full day, which includes a boat cruise through the polders and visits to two museum windmills plus a pumping station. The tour is largely self-guided, but the boat ride and exhibits provide context and comfort. The boat cruise is especially charming, allowing you to see the windmills from the water—an angle that pictures alone can’t capture. Visitors often praise the opportunity to go inside the windmills and learn about their history firsthand. One reviewer noted, “Loved going inside the windmill and exploring the exhibits.”
This option is perfect if you enjoy a flexible schedule and want to absorb the atmosphere at your own pace. It’s a great value considering the entry includes both the site and the boat tour, making it an ideal choice for first-timers or those on a budget. Bottom line: a straightforward, hassle-free way to experience Kinderdijk’s windmills and Dutch culture.
2. From Amsterdam: Private Full-Day Tour in the Netherlands
Number 2 on our list is the Private Full-Day Tour from Amsterdam, which offers the flexibility to customize your itinerary. For around $512, you’ll enjoy a private car, personalized service, and the chance to choose your destinations. The guide can take you to Kinderdijk, Delft, or other scenic spots, spending as much time as you like at each. The tour includes a journey through the Dutch countryside, giving you insights into the region’s culture and landscape. Guests rave about how accommodating and informative their guides are—one called Hass “patient and kind, always available.” During this full day, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the windmills, stroll through Delft’s historic streets, and perhaps enjoy a local lunch.
This tour suits travelers who want a tailored experience, especially if visiting multiple sites. The private vehicle ensures comfort and flexibility, perfect for families or small groups seeking a stress-free day. While it’s pricier, the personalized approach makes it more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s your own Dutch adventure. Bottom line: ideal for those who want to customize their day and avoid crowds, with ample time for in-depth exploration.
3. From Amsterdam: Kinderdijk, Delft & Mauritshuis Private Tour
Number 3 combines three Dutch icons into one satisfying 9-hour private tour. It kicks off with a pickup in Amsterdam, then visits the 19 windmills of Kinderdijk, followed by a walk through Delft’s historic streets, and finally a tour of the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague. The tour includes a well-paced itinerary: 2 hours at Kinderdijk, 75 minutes in Delft, and 1.5 hours at the museum. During the day, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in a traditional canal-side restaurant, adding a culinary touch to your sightseeing.
What makes this trip stand out is the comprehensive experience. You get to see the iconic windmills, explore the charming Delft, and view masterpieces like Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. The guide’s insights turn each stop into a memorable story. Reviewers mention the “fantastic guide” who made the day engaging and informative. The price reflects its all-inclusive nature, making it a good investment for those wanting a thorough introduction to Dutch culture and scenery.
Bottom line: a perfect choice if you want a full day packed with Dutch highlights, delivered in a private, comfortable setting suited for art lovers and history buffs alike.
4. From Rotterdam: Kinderdijk, Delft & The Hague Private Tour
Number 4 offers a similar experience from Rotterdam, tailored to travelers based there. For $512, you get a private guide and vehicle exploring Kinderdijk’s windmills, Delft’s architecture, and The Hague’s art treasures. This 8-hour tour is ideal for visitors wanting to maximize their time in Rotterdam with a personalized touch. The itinerary includes a 2-hour windmill visit, a guided Delft tour, and a visit to the Mauritshuis to see famous paintings like Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Guests praise the flexibility and attention to detail, noting the guide’s knowledge and the comfortable pace. It’s perfect if you prefer a more intimate experience without the constraints of a group. The downside is the higher cost, but the private nature and tailored itinerary often justify the expense.
Bottom line: best suited for those staying in Rotterdam who want a customized, full-day exploration of Dutch icons with a private guide.
5. Holland highlight helicopter tour
Number 5 takes a different approach—seeing the Netherlands from above. This 2-hour helicopter tour covers Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Zaanse Schans, Keukenhof, and the coast. While it doesn’t go into detail about Kinderdijk itself, it offers a bird’s-eye view of the windmills, including aerial shots of Kinderdijk’s 19 windmills from the sky. Imagine seeing the landscape’s patchwork of fields, waterways, and historic towns from a perspective few travelers experience.
This is a high-end, memorable option for those wanting a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Dutch scenery. The reviews highlight the “spectacular views” and “unique perspective” of familiar sights. Keep in mind, it’s a shorter experience and significantly more expensive, but it offers an unrivaled visual overview of the region’s highlights.
Bottom line: ideal for travelers wanting a breathtaking aerial overview, especially if they’re already planning to visit Rotterdam or Keukenhof and want a WOW moment.
6. Kinderdijk Windmills, Delft City & Delft Blue Factory Visit
Number 6 combines the windmills with Delft’s famous pottery in a private day trip for $318. This tour emphasizes learning about Dutch water management and traditions, including a boat tour through Kinderdijk’s windmills. Afterward, you’ll explore Delft’s charming streets and visit a Delft Blue pottery factory, where you can see how traditional ceramics are made and even try your hand at painting.
Guests enjoy the detailed storytelling and the private guide’s attention. The pottery visit adds a distinctive Dutch craft element not included in every tour. Practical for those interested in the craftsmanship behind Delft Blue and water management techniques, this tour balances scenic sightseeing with cultural learning.
Bottom line: perfect for travelers who want a mix of windmill admiration, cultural insight, and a hands-on pottery experience.
7. Rotterdam: Kinderdijk UNESCO Cheese Farm Experience
Our final pick is a shorter, more relaxed tour that combines sightseeing with tasting. For $160, you take a boat from the Erasmus Bridge (Willemskade 15), enjoy a 45-minute cruise to Kinderdijk, then walk among the windmills before visiting a local cheese farm. Here, the cheese-making process is explained, followed by tasting. Afterward, you return via boat to Rotterdam.
This tour is great for cheese lovers or those wanting a quick but authentic water and windmill experience. The boat ride offers stunning views, and the cheese farm provides a delightful insight into Dutch dairy traditions. It’s a good choice if you’re short on time but still want to experience the essence of Kinderdijk.
Bottom line: a fun, affordable option for cheese fans and those seeking a compact windmill adventure with a tasty twist.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Kinderdijk
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you want a simple, affordable visit and are comfortable exploring on your own, the Rotterdam UNESCO Entry Ticket is perfect. For a fully customizable experience, the Private Full-Day Tour offers flexibility. Art and culture lovers should lean toward the Kinderdijk, Delft & Mauritshuis Private Tour, which combines windmills with masterpieces. If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime view, the helicopter tour delivers spectacular sights. And if your time is limited, the Cheese Farm Experience combines windmills and Dutch cheese in a compact package.
Booking early is always wise, especially in peak seasons (spring and summer), to ensure availability. Think about what excites you most—whether it’s walking through windmill fields, seeing art in The Hague, or soaring above the landscape—and pick the tour that matches those interests.
In summary, Kinderdijk offers a diverse range of tours to fit all kinds of travelers. Whether you prefer a self-guided experience, a personalized guided tour, or an aerial adventure, there’s something to elevate your Dutch visit. If you’re planning a trip, aim to book your preferred experience early to lock in your spot and make the most of your time in this quintessential Dutch landscape.
