While staying in Dordrecht in September, we plan to visit the windmills in Kinderdijk. It looks like from our Airbnb it is a short walk to the Waterbus stop at Merwekade from where we can take Waterbus Route 21 to Kinderdijk - Molenkade and that the route takes about 1 hr - 1hr 30m. and then return to Dordrecht on Route 20. We will buy the waterbus tickets that day I believe.
Will this route get us to the site or is there another ferry or bus we will need to take from Kinderdijk - Molenkade? What is Driehoeksveer foot ferry I see mentioned on the Waterbus site? Also, checking the Waterbus today, there are nothing but delays and cancellations for the schedule both directions, is this a common occurrence? Can anyone comment on this who have made this trip from Dordrecht? What other transport options are available between Dordrecht and Kinderdijk? I know we can take a train to Rotterdam and then a Waterbus to Kinderdijk, but that option does not appear to be any quicker or more efficient.
Finally, about how long once at Kinderdijk will a leisurely visit take?
Thanks for any help.
Posted by
San Diego, California
6646 posts
I can only answer the last question, regarding this absolutely beautiful area.
I would give yourself at least three hours, and bring a picnic lunch. The walk (or biking) is peaceful and relaxing, and it's just so pleasant to be there. We didn't go into the windmill museums, as we didn't designate enough time, and I was sad to leave.
Have. Great trip!
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2273 posts
The website of Kinderdijk can answer most of your questions. Just walking around a visit of an hour will do. Add more time if you want doing more like that 30 minute boat trip.
https://kinderdijk.com/practical-information/directions-address/waterbus/
Posted by
1526 posts
We used our free afternoon on our Rick Steves tour; took the train from Delft to Rotterdam; tram to water taxi; then water taxi to Kinderdijk; so I can't answer the Dordrecht part. We had beautiful warm sunny weather; enjoyed the stroll along the path itself and definitely spent 2 hours there. There's a museum which we didn't have time for but wished we did; we climbed up into the windmill; rode the boat. We were on a tight schedule to get back to Delft to rejoin our Rick Steves tour, but pulled it off in half a day.