Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout
Unesco World Heritage

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Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout: Preserving Dutch Water Management Heritage

The Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout, located in the municipalities of Alblasserdam and Nieuw-Lekkerland in the province of Zuid-Holland, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the remarkable Dutch water management system. This site consists of a network of 19 windmills, built in the 18th century, which have played a crucial role in controlling water levels in the region for centuries.

History

The history of the Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout dates back to the Middle Ages when the Dutch began to reclaim land from the sea. The area was prone to flooding due to its low-lying geography, and the construction of windmills became essential to pump water out of the polders, allowing the land to be used for agriculture and habitation.

The windmills at Kinderdijk-Elshout were built between 1738 and 1740, forming a unique system that effectively drained excess water from the surrounding polders. These mills were operated by skilled millers who meticulously managed the water levels, ensuring the safety of the land and its inhabitants.

Current State

Today, the Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout stands as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the Dutch people. The windmills, with their iconic silhouette against the horizon, continue to function as they did centuries ago, albeit with some modern adaptations.

The site is open to visitors who can explore the mills and gain insight into the history and significance of Dutch water management. The visitor center provides a wealth of information through interactive exhibits, audiovisual presentations, and guided tours, allowing visitors to delve into the fascinating world of windmills and their role in shaping the Dutch landscape.

Moreover, the Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout offers picturesque walking and cycling routes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the surrounding countryside. The network of footpaths and bike trails provides an opportunity to witness the windmills up close and appreciate their architectural splendor.

Efforts have been made to preserve and maintain the windmills, ensuring their longevity and authenticity. Skilled millers continue to operate the mills, maintaining the delicate balance of water levels and safeguarding the cultural heritage of the site.

The Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, acknowledging its outstanding universal value and its contribution to the history of water management. This designation has not only brought international recognition but has also increased awareness about the importance of preserving this unique cultural landscape.

In conclusion, the Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout stands as a remarkable example of Dutch water management heritage. Its windmills, with their rich history and continued functionality, offer a glimpse into the past while serving as a reminder of the Dutch people's ongoing battle against water. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for those seeking to understand and appreciate the engineering marvels that have shaped the Netherlands.

Hotels and places to stay

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Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant De Witte Brug

Address
Distance: 2,1 mi
Kerkweg 138
2941 BP Lekkerkerk
Netherlands

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 22:00
Weekend: 8:00 - 22:00

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Apollo Hotel Papendrecht

Address
Distance: 3,8 mi
Burgemeester Keijzerweg 100
3353 CW Papendrecht
Netherlands

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Van der Valk Hotel ARA

Address
Distance: 5,8 mi
Veerweg 10
3336 LM Zwijndrecht
Netherlands

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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NH Capelle

Address
Distance: 6,4 mi
Barbizonlaan 2
2908 MA Capelle Aan Den Ijssel
Netherlands

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Dordrecht

Address
Distance: 4,9 mi
Achterhakkers 72
3311 JA Dordrecht
Netherlands

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Videos from the area

Holland. Molen de blokweerse wip in Kinderdijk. | Dutch windmills Kinderdijk shoot with a Nikon d600

Published: October 01, 2012
Length: 15:14 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Cees van der wal

Kort filmpje gemaakt met de nieuwe nikon d600 bij de molens van Kinderdijk. In het filmpje zeilt de molenaar zijn molen op en maalt de wipwatermolen het water vanuit de polder naar de boezem....

Genomineerde BankGiro Loterij Molenprijs 2013: de Contramolen te Kinderdijk

Published: September 04, 2013
Length: 00:02 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: m0lens

De enige molen op Kinderdijk die twee maalrichtingen had: de molen kon zowel het water uit de polder, als in de polder malen. De Stichting Werelderfgoed Kinderdijk wil graag deze dubbele maalrichti ...

Molengebied Kinderdijk vanuit de lucht gezien

Published: May 13, 2011
Length: 42:32 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Hoogtezicht

Volg onze ontwikkelingen op http://www.hoogtezicht.nl Nederland is beroemd om haar monumentale molens. Nergens in de wereld vind je nog zoveel molens bij elkaar als in het dorpje Kinderdijk....

Brand BV: HD impressie 'gestuurde boringen' Kinderdijk 2012

Published: September 06, 2012
Length: 08:24 min
Rating: 3 of 5
Author: AVisueel

kijk voor meer informatie op www.brandbv.nl - een korte impressie gemaakt door AVisueel voor een gestuurde boring bij de Kinderdijk.

Grauwe ganzen in Kinderdijk

Published: February 05, 2015
Length: 20:02 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: De Visdief

De grauwe gans komt massaal in Nederland voor. Hij wordt zelfs als een plaag ervaren. Zo vreet hij te Kinderdijk het riet weg dat het leefgebied is van de zeldzame purperreiger. Reden om hem...

molentocht 2009

Published: January 11, 2009
Length: 53:31 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: janklamer

Tocht door de Alblasserwaard - 10 januarie 2009. De groep begon met 9 mensen, door het verschil in snelheid later uit elkaar gevallen in drie groepjes. Het was prachtig zonnig weer. Gelukkig...

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