Every year, as temperatures plummet far below freezing point, people from all around the Netherlands start to warm up in response as an annual surge of ice-skating fever takes hold. Within the confines of Kinderdijk World Heritage, this fever pitch is raised even further, with people visiting on sleds, on bicycles, wearing their ice skates, and even plodding through the wintery landscape bent low behind their wheeled walkers.
Horses in the Winter Landscape of Kinderdijk in the Netherlands
The minute the ice seems thick enough to set foot upon it, the entire nation drops everything to rush out and test it. Nothing can stop the Dutch people in their passionate love affair with the glacial charms of Dutch winter. Just like the churning waters that they have been battling for centuries, their frozen counterpart has become deeply ingrained in their national identity.
Even when it is not freezing, Kinderdijk offers more than enough during the winter season. The winter is also very suitable to come and enjoy the Kinderdijk windmills. All their visiting locations are open. Those who want to admire the windmills from the water do not have to be afraid of the cold: the Kinderdijk tour boats are heated. When it freezes for a longer period of time they go out of service to let the ice grow.
In the visitors centre you can warm up while enjoying a cup of coffee or a delicious pea soup. The winter season also offers many challenges for photographers. Watch the sun rise between the windmills of the Overwaard, while a layer of fog moves between the reeds.
Natural Ice in Kinderdijk, The Netherlands (February 2021)
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
