On Saturday, May 10, 2025, Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage will be dedicated to both National Mill Day and Craftsmen’s Day. This is a unique opportunity to see the centuries-old mills in operation and experience traditional crafts up close. During this special day, you’ll discover the power of wind and water and meet artisans who preserve ancient crafts. Expect a day full of activities for all ages!
In addition to visiting the museum windmills and enjoying a boat tour through the area, you can experience a variety of extra activities and traditional craft demonstrations at different locations:
Visitor Centre
Enjoy live music on the terrace all day by De Soete Inval (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and sample artisanal cheese from De Graafstroom, served in traditional Dutch costume.
Wisboom Pumping Station
Watch the blacksmith demonstrate his craft in the forge, while the giant flywheels spin in the engine room!
Museum Mill Nederwaard
Here you’ll smell the enticing aroma of freshly smoked eel, prepared on-site by Ruben using traditional methods. Roos will be baking bread in a wood-fired oven – the perfect mix of flavour and nostalgia. Outside, skilled craftsmen are busy restoring a historic salmon-fishing boat (zalmschouw) and will gladly share insights into their work. Woodworker Ad will be shaping a molenbaard (windmill beard) with precision and care. Need a break? Refresh yourself with a juice from the bike cart.
Museum Mill Blokweer
At Blokweer, it’s a true family celebration. The smell of fresh pancakes fills the air as you watch clog maker Bas expertly transform a block of wood into a traditional Dutch clog. Kids can have their faces painted and play traditional Dutch games – guaranteed fun! And don’t miss Robert’s rope-making demonstration.
All these activities are included with your regular ticket, on top of everything already offered:
a visit to the windmills, a boat tour through the area, access to the pumping station, and our film room.
Combine your visit with the Kinderdijk Tour to make the most of this day. During this tour, a local guide will immerse you in the fascinating story of Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage.
In addition to National Mill Day and Craftsmen’s Day, it’s also Windmill Day in Kinderdijk. This means that, with sufficient wind (at least wind force 2-3), as many mills as possible will be operating between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. It is a wonderful sight to see as many rotating windmills as possible at the same time.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see the mills in full glory and learn more about water management in the Netherlands. Order your tickets now and experience a day full of craft and tradition!
Would you like to experience National Mill Day & Craftsmen’s Day in a unique way? On this day, Spido offers a special day cruise from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk. Enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the Nieuwe Maas and the Lek, arriving directly at the UNESCO World Heritage site. More information and tickets for this cruise are available via Spido.
