Historic windmills at Kinderdijk in the Netherlands at sunrise, part of the country’s iconic cultural heritage
© Claire Droppert via NBTC Mediabank
Category:Orange Horizons: The travel podcast about the Netherlands

The windmills that keep the Netherlands dry

The nineteen windmills of Kinderdijk stand amidst the water, dykes and vast polders. Together, they form an impressive example of Dutch water management and a landscape that has been shaped by wind and water for centuries.

  • Find out how windmills and modern pumps manage the water.
  • Step into the daily lives of the millers of Kinderdijk.
  • Discover why Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

šŸŽ§Listen to our podcast about the windmills of Kinderdijk.

In the past, the windmills kept the low-lying polders dry. Nowadays, modern pumps have taken over a large part of that task. And yet, the windmills of Kinderdijk are still in use and the millers’ way of life remains visible. For generations, they lived here with their families, in the heart of the countryside and always at the mercy of the weather. History, technology and everyday life come together in a unique way in Kinderdijk. It truly deserves its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This episode is for travellers who want to experience the iconic landscape of Kinderdijk and are curious about the interplay between the windmills, modern pumps and the lives of the millers. Listen to the episode using the player above or via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Pocket Casts.

Listen to all Orange Horizons episodes and get inspired by audio stories about our fantastic cities, inspiring designers, lush nature and everything else our rich culture has to offer. Hear more