Unique part of the Netherlands

25 years of UNESCO World Heritage

On Saturday, December 6, 1997, our mill complex was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We don’t want to let this jubilee pass unnoticed. To celebrate this, we will be organizing various activities in our unique part of the Netherlands for a whole year.

Events

We celebrate 25 years of UNESCO World Heritage spread over 2023 with all kinds of activities and events. From a photo competition and lectures to temporary exhibitions. This year you can experience something special in Kinderdijk around every 25th of the month.

1 – 9 SEPTEMBER (EXCEPT SUNDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER)

Illumination Week

During the Illumination Week, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the beautiful windmills in all their glory as they are charmingly illuminated at night. The illuminated windmills bring the history and culture of Kinderdijk to life in a unique way, offering you an unforgettable experience.

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Rondvaart Verlichtingsweek Kinderdijk

More activities

We will announce more events and activities in the coming period. So keep an eye on our website and newsletter for the many upcoming events to celebrate our UNESCO World Heritage status.

 

Why are we on the World Heritage List?

For nearly a thousand years, the Dutch have been clever in dealing with the water that surrounds them. The sustainable blend of nature and technology used to keep Kinderdijk dry is so uniquely valuable that the area and its windmills were granted UNESCO World Heritage status. From now on, the whole world can come by to experience what we have achieved here!