One of the most famous sights in the Netherlands is the 19 historic windmills in the small village of Kinderdijk, located 15 kilometers south of Rotterdam in the province of South Holland. This village, which is part of the Alblasserwaard polder landscape below sea level, was once called Elhoust, and there are numerous theories about its current name.
The most famous legend about the name dates back to the flood disaster in 1421. After the storm had subsided, the survivors saw a cradle floating in the water. When they finally pulled the cradle ashore, they found a healthy, sleeping baby inside. For these reasons, the place was given the name “Kinderdijk,” which means “children’s dike.” At Kinderdijk, the rivers Noord and Lek converge, and dikes were built to prevent the land from flooding when too much water accumulated in the rivers. This land, protected by the dike, is called a polder. As early as the Middle Ages, water accumulated in the polder, which people tried to remove through canals, but this soon ceased to work. Windmills were therefore built to pump the water into another basin, which was occasionally drained into the river. The 19 windmills at Kinderdijk are still in working order. However, most of the water is now removed by electric pumping stations. The ingenious system of mills and pumping stations is so unique worldwide that the area has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997. Most of the mills are still inhabited today. However, two mills, the Overwaard museum mill and the Blokweer museum mill, are open to the public. Since 1738, eight red brick mills with slate shingle roofs have stood in a staggered formation on the Nederwaard polder. These mills are known as “ground sails” because their sails reach almost to the ground. Two years later, eight windmills, known as octagonal polder mills, were also built in the east on the Overwaard polder. These wooden mills have thatched roofs and blades that are 28 meters long. Not far from there are three more windmills, of which the “De Blokker” or “Blokweer” mill is the oldest in the complex. This rocking mill was built in 1630, but fell victim to several fires, most recently in 1997. Its current version dates from 2001. Incidentally, it is the only windmill whose paddle wheel is located outside the mill. Until 1957, there were even 20 windmills. But after it collapsed, it was demolished. The windmills of Kinderdijk are a unique open-air museum that is free to visit, unless you want to visit the two museum mills. Tickets are available at the modern visitor center, which also houses a souvenir shop, a café, and restrooms. I enjoyed my trip to the windmills of Kinderdijk, which are rightly considered one of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands, as they allow you to experience the country’s national symbol up close.
Welcome to my journey through creativity and discovery!
My name is Isabella Mueller, and I invite you to explore the fascinating creative universes I create through my blogs. Since 2020, I have been dedicating my passion to telling captivating stories that are mysterious, historical, and emotional. My goal is not only to entertain, but also to inspire reflection and awaken the spirit of discovery in each of us.
At isabellas.blog, the suspense of crime stories is combined with exciting travel tips. Imagine wandering through the picturesque streets of a new city, uncovering dark secrets hidden in the shadows of its history. Every piece on my blog is designed to make the heart of every crime fiction fan beat faster while sparking curiosity about unknown places. Here, you are invited to experience the thrill of the unknown and the beauty of our world—a perfect combination for all adventure seekers!
My second blog, akteq.com, is all about true, unsolved crime stories. Under the motto “akteQ: Cold Case Stories,” I reveal the eerie and often tragic stories behind unsolved cases. Together, we can explore the mysteries of the past and delve deep into the human psyche. What really happened? Who were the people behind these mysterious events? In this blog, I invite you to ask questions and find the answers that often remain hidden in the dark.
You can find another exciting chapter in my blogging career at thecastles.org. Here, I embark on an enchanting journey through the history of castles and palaces. Pause for a moment as you discover the stories hidden within the walls of these ancient structures. “Explore the enchantment, discover the history – your journey begins at thecastles.org!” These words are more than just a slogan; they are an invitation to anyone who wants to combine history and magic. Be inspired by the impressive stories and the fascination of bygone eras!
But that's not all! At kripo.org, you'll find a comprehensive online magazine for real criminal cases. Immerse yourself in the world of crime, learn about the real stories behind the headlines and the people who are involved in solving them.
With criminal.energy, I take you on a journey through the gripping stories of true crimes in which villains are hunted, caught, and convicted. The search for justice and the confrontation with the unknown are at the center of it all.
TrueCrime Blog 187.news takes you into the depths of crime. And for those who want to travel the world, wanderlust.plus offers the opportunity to explore the world, one adventure at a time. It's all about the love of exploration and the joy of discovering new cultures and landscapes.
Finally, truecrime.ch invites you to discover the dark side of Switzerland and Europe: true crimes, true stories.
Let's discover together the stories that shape the world around us. I look forward to accompanying you on this exciting journey and hope you will share many unforgettable moments with me!
