A Journey Through Kinderdijk and Gouda

The Netherlands is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Two destinations that epitomize this are Kinderdijk and Gouda. If you want to explore Dutch history and enjoy unique experiences, these locations should be on your travel list.

Discovering Kinderdijk

Kinderdijk is home to an impressive array of windmills that date back to the 18th century. This UNESCO World Heritage site highlights the ingenious Dutch water management system and offers a glimpse into the country’s agricultural past. The windmills at Kinderdijk are not just historical artifacts but a testament to the Dutch battle against water and floods.

Kinderdijk is conveniently accessible from major cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. You can reach it by car, bike, or public transport. If you prefer a scenic route, consider taking a boat ride from Rotterdam, which offers beautiful views.

 

 

Exploring the Windmills

Once there, you can explore the windmill complex, which includes 19 well-preserved windmills. Each windmill has its own story and unique characteristics. The visitor center offers guided tours that provide in-depth information about the history and function of these iconic structures.

 

 

Travel Back in Time at the Nederwaard Museum Mill

The Nederwaard Museum Mill, built in 1738, offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back. This mill is in remarkable condition and provides an immersive experience with historical black and white photos, original items used by miller families, and the powerful wooden machinery of the mills. Be cautious on the narrow, steep stairs.

 

Family Fun at the Blokweer Museum Mill

The Blokweer Museum Mill, constructed in 1630, is perfect for families. It offers an interactive life experience in the 1950s, with an educational scavenger hunt for children in the beautiful yard, which resembles an open-air museum.

 

 

A Deeply Dutch Polder Landscape

Kinderdijk is a prime example of Dutch water management. The windmills, pumps, dikes, and storage basins keep the area dry, creating a characteristic Dutch landscape. Your entrance ticket also serves as a boarding pass for the tour boats, which operate all day, weather permitting.

Enter the Pumping Station

The Wisboom pumping station, built in 1868, is a fascinating site that explains Kinderdijk’s water management history. Initially powered by steam and later by electricity, this station played a crucial role in keeping the area dry until the modern G.N. Kok pumping station took over in 1995.

Modernization and Water Management

The Wisboom pumping station showcases the evolution of Dutch water management from wind power to modern technology. Inside, you can learn about the history of the Kinderdijk windmills, interact with exhibits, and even try your hand at managing the polders yourself.

 

Engine Room and Historical Model

The engine room, once home to a powerful steam engine, now features a detailed model of the Wisboom Pumping Station. This model, created by dedicated volunteers, meticulously replicates the old steam pumping station and is a tribute to Dutch engineering and craftsmanship.

 

Craft of Blacksmithing

The restored forge at the Wisboom pumping station brings the ancient craft of blacksmithing back to life. Small components for the mills are crafted here using traditional methods, making this a unique feature of the World Heritage site.

 

Floating Exhibition

Aboard the barge ‘Alles Heeft een Tijd,’ you can explore an exhibition about water management and climate change. The barge, adjacent to the Blokweer Museum Mill, offers three short films on the Sint Elisabeth flood, the Alblasserwaard water system, and future climate challenges.

 

Discovering Gouda: A Journey Through History and Craftsmanship

Gouda’s historic town center invites you to explore its rich past, filled with centuries-old architecture and vibrant canals. As you wander the charming streets, you’ll encounter beautiful facades and characterful canals, perfect for a stroll or a relaxing break at one of the welcoming terraces.

Gouda is synonymous with its world-renowned crafts, which you can experience at various locations throughout the city. Witness the lively cheese market, where traders engage in traditional cheese dealings or indulge in the city’s famous syrup waffles and locally brewed Gouda beer. Take advantage of the opportunity to see Gouda clay pipes and pottery, which showcase the city’s artistic heritage.

One of Gouda’s most beloved events is Gouda by Candlelight. During this magical evening, thousands of real Gouda candles illuminate the old town hall and Markt, creating a breathtaking spectacle that captures the city’s enchanting spirit.

 

 

Culture & History: A Walk Through Gouda’s Past

Gouda is an imposing, historic town with a rich history and versatile culture. Within the compact town center, you can explore historic buildings, museums, and galleries featuring modern art—all within walking distance.

Sint-Janskerk & Gouda Glass

The Sint-Janskerk, first mentioned in 1280, was rebuilt after the great fire of 1552. Named after John the Baptist, it is the longest church in the Netherlands at 123 meters. The church is world-renowned for its stunning Gouda Glass windows, which depict scenes from the Bible and Dutch history. The 72 stained glass windows, dating back to the Middle Ages and Renaissance, create a mesmerizing play of light and color; visiting Sint-Janskerk is essential.

 

 

Museum Gouda

Museum Gouda boasts a unique collection, from 16th-century altarpieces and a large interactive model of Gouda in 1562 to 17th-century militia group portraits and 19th-century French and Dutch paintings. You can also admire the famous Gouda pottery and Gouds plateel, showcasing the city’s rich artistic heritage.

The Town Hall

Gouda’s town hall, rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1438, stands proudly in the market square. The right-facing wall features a carillon with mechanical puppets, which were added in 1961. The lead figure, Floris V, granted Gouda its town charter in 1272. The carillon provides a delightful spectacle every half-hour as the puppets come to life.

 

 

Stolpersteine: Remembering History

Scattered throughout the town center are Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” created by German artist Gunter Demnig to commemorate the victims of the Nazi regime. In Gouda, 389 Jewish citizens who perished during WWII are remembered through these stones. In 2024, the project will be completed with the final two Stolpersteine.

 

 

Gouda Cheese: A Taste of Tradition

Gouda cheese, known worldwide, dates back to the 14th century. Still made traditionally on farms near Gouda, such as in Stolwijk, Haastrecht, and Reeuwijk, the cheese offers a pure taste of the Low Countries. Discover, experience, and taste the authentic Gouda cheese made from grass-fed cows’ milk.

Gouda Cheese Market

Every Thursday morning from April to September, the Gouda Cheese Market comes alive with cheese traders and farmers clapping. Horse-drawn cheese carts arrive at De Goudse Waag, where cheeses are weighed on original scales. The market is a historic and nostalgic scene, offering visitors a unique glimpse into traditional cheese trading. Plan to arrive early to enjoy the experience fully.

 

 

The Tastiest Gouda Farmhouse Cheese

‘t Kaaswinkeltje, the oldest cheese shop in Gouda, specializes in farmhouse cheeses made from raw milk, preserving the cheese’s delicious flavor. You can sample these cheeses in the shop, where the friendly team can assist you in multiple languages. The shop also offers vacuum-packed cheeses, perfect for taking home. Don’t miss the Gouda Black, a cheese matured for 24 months with a robust and rich flavor and creamy texture.

Gouda Candles: A Glowing Tradition

In 1853, three gentlemen founded the Stearine Kaarsenfabriek, which quickly became a success and earned a Royal Designation in 1899. The factory produced the first authentic Gouda candles, available at various locations in the city. During the Gouda by Candlelight event, thousands of these candles illuminate the old town hall, creating a magical atmosphere. This festival, dating back to 1956, is one of the oldest light festivals in the Netherlands.

 

 

Bonus: The Kröller-Müller Museum

Discover a Premier Art Collection

The Kröller-Müller Museum boasts the world’s largest private collection of Vincent van Gogh’s works, alongside notable pieces by artists such as Claude Monet, Georges Seurat, Pablo Picasso, and Piet Mondriaan. The museum is a rich repository of De Stijl and futurist art, featuring engaging exhibitions from contemporary artists that will delight any art lover.

 

 

 

Wander Through the Sculpture Garden

The museum’s sculpture garden is home to works by acclaimed artists like Barbara Hepworth, Jean Dubuffet, and Marta Pan. This outdoor gallery allows visitors to experience art naturally, offering a peaceful environment for reflection and enjoyment.

 

 

 

 

Architectural Gems

Architecture buffs will appreciate the museum buildings designed by Henry van de Velde and Wim Quist and the Gerrit Rietveld and Aldo van Eyck pavilions within the sculpture garden. These architectural wonders add to the museum’s allure, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

Art and Nature in Perfect Harmony

Situated in the heart of the Veluwe, the Kröller-Müller Museum combines art with nature, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and inspiration. This unique setting offers a perfect day out for visitors of all ages, where the beauty of the landscape complements the exceptional art collection.

From the historic windmills of Kinderdijk to the vibrant culture of Gouda and the unparalleled art at the Kröller-Müller Museum, these destinations offer a rich tapestry of Dutch heritage and modern culture. Including them in your travel plans will ensure an enriching and memorable journey. Let Inspired Travel Designs be your partner in crafting this fantastic journey back in time. Let’s talk!

 

Produced by Inspired Travel Designs with Virtuoso, kinderdijk.com and Welcome to Gouda