Kinderdijk is a must-see for anyone interested in Dutch engineering, landscape, and culture. Its iconic windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provide a spectacular backdrop for various tours and experiences. What sets Kinderdijk apart is the chance to see the windmills from different angles—by air, water, or on foot—and to learn about the region’s iconic water management systems. Among the options, a helicopter tour offers a bird’s eye view of the area and beyond, while a boat trip combined with a cheese farm visit offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and local flavor. We especially like the private full-day tour from Rotterdam for its comprehensive approach, covering both Kinderdijk and Amsterdam in a single day, giving a great overview of the Netherlands’ highlights.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best tours and experiences in Kinderdijk—from thrilling helicopter rides to intimate cheese farm visits—so you can choose what best suits your interests, schedule, and sense of adventure.
Quick Overview of the Best Tours & Experiences in Kinderdijk
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at three top-rated tours:
- The Holland highlight helicopter tour offers stunning aerial views of the region and beyond.
- The Private Tour from Rotterdam: Kinderdijk & Amsterdam in a Day combines windmill sightseeing, city exploration, and a scenic drive.
- The Rotterdam: Kinderdijk UNESCO Cheese Farm Experience provides a boat journey, windmill views, and a cheese tasting at a local farm.
Each option provides a different way to experience the region—whether you prefer soaring above it, exploring it on the ground, or combining it with other Dutch icons. Now, let’s dive into what makes each tour special.
1. Holland highlight helicopter tour
For those who want to see the Netherlands from above, the Holland highlight helicopter tour is hard to beat. This 2-hour aerial adventure whisks you over Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Keukenhof, Zaanse Schans, and more. If you’ve ever wondered what the landscape looks like from the sky, this tour delivers with spectacular views of the windmills of Kinderdijk and the colorful gardens of Keukenhof.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of iconic sights seen from a unique perspective. You’ll fly over the Zaanse Schans, famous for its historic windmills, and then head toward Rotterdam’s busy harbor—Europe’s largest port. The flight also takes in Zandvoort’s F1 racetrack and the shoreline of the North Sea. The pilots are experienced, and reviews praise the smooth ride and incredible photo opportunities.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a dramatic overview of Dutch landscapes and cities in one quick, memorable flight. While it’s a bit pricier than other options, the views of Kinderdijk’s windmills from above are truly worth it. Keep in mind, availability can vary, so check ahead for your preferred time.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a bird’s eye perspective of the Netherlands’ most famous sights—including Kinderdijk’s windmills—this helicopter ride is unbeatable for visual impact and excitement.
2. Private Tour From Rotterdam: Kinderdijk & Amsterdam in a Day
For travelers who want a comprehensive day trip, the Private Tour from Rotterdam: Kinderdijk & Amsterdam in a Day is an excellent choice. This 9-hour journey covers the UNESCO-listed Kinderdijk windmills and the highlights of Amsterdam’s canal district. The tour starts with a pickup in Rotterdam, making logistics straightforward.
The day begins with a visit to Kinderdijk, where you’ll explore the windmills that have been working for centuries—a favorite for history and engineering buffs. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a 45-minute lunch at a local restaurant, giving a taste of Dutch cuisine. The afternoon is dedicated to walking through Amsterdam’s historic canal ring, with stops at Dam Square and the Begijnhof, showcasing the city’s charming architecture.
The guide is knowledgeable, sharing insights about both the windmills’ water management role and Amsterdam’s history. The small-group atmosphere ensures a personalized experience, and reviews mention how smoothly the day flows. This tour offers great value for those wanting a full overview without the hassle of planning multiple visits.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting to see both Kinderdijk’s windmills and Amsterdam’s city center in one well-organized day, making it perfect for first-time visitors.
3. Rotterdam: Kinderdijk UNESCO Cheese Farm Experience
The Rotterdam: Kinderdijk UNESCO Cheese Farm Experience combines scenic water transport, windmill views, and a hands-on cheese tasting. This 5-hour trip starts with a boat ride from Rotterdam’s Erasmus Bridge, offering a comfortable and scenic way to reach Kinderdijk. Once there, you’ll enjoy a walk around the windmills, taking in the spectacular scenery up close.
The highlight is the visit to a local cheese farm, where a guided tour explains the cheese-making process. Tasting fresh, authentic cheese is included, giving you a delicious taste of Dutch tradition. The boat journey itself is praised for its beautiful views and comfortable seating, making the trip relaxing and picturesque.
This experience is particularly well-suited for travelers interested in local food culture and water-based sightseeing. The combination of boat, windmills, and cheese farm provides a well-rounded, immersive experience. The reviews note that the boat ride is “a highlight,” and the cheese tasting adds a flavorful touch to the visit.
Bottom Line: Perfect for cheese lovers and those wanting a scenic, relaxing day with engaging local insights, all in about half a day.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a tour in Kinderdijk, consider your budget, interests, and schedule. If a spectacular aerial view appeals most, then the Holland highlight helicopter tour is the way to go. For a full-day experience covering both windmills and city sights, the Private Tour from Rotterdam is ideal. And if you’re interested in local food and watercraft, then the Rotterdam Cheese Farm Experience offers a relaxed, flavorful afternoon.
Think about your physical activity level—walking around windmills is usually easy, but the helicopter or boat tours involve less walking. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons like spring and summer.
Final Thoughts
Between soaring above the windmills, exploring them on a guided private day tour, or combining water, cheese, and windmills, you have fantastic options in Kinderdijk. The helicopter tour is best for those craving a dramatic overview, while the full-day private tour suits travelers eager to see everything in one go. Meanwhile, the cheese farm experience offers a charming, tasty, and relaxing outing.
No matter your choice, these tours provide a memorable way to experience a true Dutch icon. For many travelers, booking early ensures you won’t miss out—so pick your adventure and enjoy the windmills of Kinderdijk from a perspective that suits your style.